Thread: PAts Cheating

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3012989

Sources: Camera confiscated after claims of Pats spying on Jets

By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com

Updated: September 10, 2007, 4:17 PM ET

Did Patriots Cheat in Win Over Jets?

NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots employee on the team's sideline during Sunday's game against the Jets in a suspected spying incident, sources said.

The camera and its tape were placed in a sealed box and forwarded to the league office for investigation, the sources said.

"We don't have any comment," an NFL spokesman said Monday.

The Patriots' cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game.

The league's competition committee could conduct a conference call about the incident, which violates NFL policy, and ultimately recommend a penalty that could cost the Patriots a future draft pick or picks if it verifies that the team was spying on the Jets.

"It's not their first time," a member of the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said.

In fact, Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan confirmed a similar incident that occurred when the Patriots played at Lambeau Field last Nov. 19. The same cameraman who was questioned by NFL security on Sunday was also the one whom the Packers removed from the sideline and escorted from the field during their 2006 game, according to Packers security official Doug Collins.

"From what I can remember, he had quite a fit when we took him out," Harlan said. "We had gotten word before the game that they [the Patriots] did this sort of thing, so we were looking for it."

A Jets official declined comment Monday, directing an inquiry to the league office. The Patriots also did not have immediate comment.

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.
ESPN Conversation

I wonder if there are any consquences that goes along with this?

Originally Posted by SmithOverTO

I wonder if there are any consquences that goes along with this?

The Patriots should be fined and the Jets game should count as a loss.

Of course the NFL wouldn't count the game as a loss because it would screw up the stats.

According to the article, it sounds like this is NOT the first time the Patriots have done this.

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

According to the article, it sounds like this is NOT the first time the Patriots have done this.

Because the NFL doesn't have a point system and it goes by Win/Loss there's nothing you can do that would actually affect them in terms of their season record.

At most it will be a small fine.

If it can be proven they were spying, the Patriots should be forced to forfeit the game . . .

AND perhaps lose their first-rounder in the next draft.

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Possible draft penalties is what I heard. If the Green Bay situation from last year is true, I'd be surprised if the NFL just brushes this off.


That's busch league IMO.

Originally Posted by TheWookieeBronco

At most it will be a small fine.

Or absolutely nothing could come from it. Just like nothing happened when the Patriots charged the Jets w/ tampering during the Deion Branch negotiations last year.

My as we all know how much I love the Pats lol

There is no way that the Pats were going to lose to that pathetic Jets team
whos fans cheered when Pennington got hurt. Brady had time to make eggs, grab a coffee, cook his toast and then throw to Randy Moss etc.

They have already won that pathetic division they are in. They will win by 4 games, mark my words. The Jets were their competion.

so a couple of spying plays, big whopdy do. Maybe the Jets could you know get a pass rush so Brady does not have to wash his uniform for next weeks game. He only hit the ground when scrambling for a run. \

as a side note the Jets fans showed ZERO class cheering when Pennington was hurt.
Like Kelly Clemens was going to help htem. Heck Roger Clemens could not help them either

According to Mortenson the Pats could lose a draft pick or picks.

Serves them right, seems the had an issue with this in Green Bay as well.

The same camera guy removed from the field, odd me thinks.

Seems this little "*" is gonna become common place.

Originally Posted by WTE

Or absolutely nothing could come from it. Just like nothing happened when the Patriots charged the Jets w/ tampering during the Deion Branch negotiations last year.

Nah.

A, or some draft picks will certainly be lost.

Originally Posted by WTE

Or absolutely nothing could come from it. Just like nothing happened when the Patriots charged the Jets w/ tampering during the Deion Branch negotiations last year.

I don't blame you . . .

That's what I would be hoping, too, were the Patriots my team.

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Originally Posted by topscribe

If it can be proven they were spying, the Patriots should be forced to forfeit the game . . .

AND perhaps lose their first-rounder in the next draft.

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--- LOL !!!

--- This reminds me of the old stories about the spy in the center field bleachers with the binoculars watching the catcher's hand signals to the pitcher !!!

--- Look, I can't stand Bradywuss and the patsies, but they tore the Jets apart. Moss was SCARY !!!




.

Just want to add, we all know teams are trying to steal signals, have been for years.

Use of video to do so, is over the top, and should be handed a pretty severe punishment if it is legit.

This isn't the first complaint that has leveled against the Pop tarts concerning spying on their opponents. So much for them being a class organization.