Big fines for Belichick, team

[Lewis]

Big fines for Belichick, team
Taping also will cost Patriots a draft pick

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | September 14, 2007

Coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 - the maximum allowed by NFL rules - and the Patriots penalized $250,000, plus the loss of at least one draft pick, for illegally filming the signals of New York Jets coaches in the season opener, the league announced last night.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

Goodell considered a suspension for Belichick but said the fine and loss of draft choices would have a longer-lasting impact on the franchise.

The Patriots will lose their first-round pick in the 2008 draft if the team makes the playoffs. If the team, which is considered by many the favorite to win the Super Bowl, doesn't make the playoffs, it will forfeit its second- and third-round picks in the 2008 draft.

The NFL has never taken away a first-round pick from a team.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... hick_team/

 

[Scott]

Belicheat (as Colin Cowherd refers to him) should be suspened. Its common knowledge that Belicheck knows every goings on with his team so this wasn't some misunderstanding. He is a very smart guy and has built a very talented team yet still feels he needs to cheat. I think unless something more comes out against them to increase their punishment, then the Patriots have gotten off very easily in the matter.

 

[Vic C.]

Scott, I agree!

Also, Scott, stop by more often, things have changed a bit and we miss ya!