I remember reading in the paper about a game between the Packers and Patriots. During the game, the security for the Packers escorted a Patriots employee out of the stadium and confiscated his equipment. They accused the employee and the Patriots organization of spying and videotaping the playcalls from the Packer sideline.
And that wasn't the first time. Before this, according to ESPN radio, another game involving the Patriots turned up similar accusations. In fact, a player from an opposing team said after the game, (paraphrase) "It was like they were reading the play calls before the play began."
Well, now yet again, the same employee was ejected from the Patriots vs Jets last weekend. They confiscated his video and recording device, wrapped it in a box and sent it to the NFL office to open an investigation into the Patriots cheating activities.
From what I have read online, it's been quiet from the Patriots office . . . which only causes me to believe the accusations that much more. In the link below, only one Patriot player commented on the accusations and stated he "don't think" the Patriots "do that stuff."
The chorus of accusations of the Patriots organization cheating to gain an upper hand is getting louder.
To me, this is bigger than the Michael Vick story. I didn't say worse . . . but it is indeed bigger, because it puts a HUGE asterisk on their Super Bowl victories and any other major game victories.
If true, the NFL needs to make a big statement. A HUGE statement. And I think the commish is just the man that would do it if the investigation turns up evidence of any cheating by the Patriots.
Unfortunately, they could only be hit with draft picks. Personally, I think they should pay a stiff fine, be banned from the postseason playoffs and lose draft picks . . . for the next 2 years at least, if these accusations are indeed true.
In College Football, schools can lose scholarships for cheating. Those can really cripple a school in a short time.
Since the draft is the only place the NFL can level punishment, I hope the commish takes their drafts for the next 2-3 years, depending on the number of games in which the Patriots cheated. If he really wants to make a statement, make the first 2-3 years a complete loss of draft picks and years 4 and 5 allow only 1 or 2 picks.
I hate cheaters. I used to like the Patriots, the coach and Brady. After the first accusations I lost a little confidence that they were playing by the rules and not cheating the system. Now, I'm completely through with them.
As through with them as I am with Michael Vick, and I hope the guy never steps on another football field.
What say any of you?
ESPN Link
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