Patriots cheating by spying on the Jets, Goodell to take action

The New England Patriots were allegedly spying on the New York Jets by videotaping defensive signals.

Patriots cheating by spying on the Jets, Goodell to take action Only one game into the football season, and the New England Patriots have found themselves already in the middle of a scandal. This time the Patriots are accused of spying on the New York Jets by videotaping the defensive signals of the Jets coaches during the season opener. NFL security officials confiscated camera and videotape from the Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella, after suspicions were raised, which were later confirmed after reviewing the tape.

According to ESPN, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has already made the decision that the New England Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped the Jets. The commish is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks" because it is the competitive violation in the wake of a stern warning to all teams since he became commissioner, ESPN claims, citing sources.

NFL is expected to make a decision by the end of the week. So far, no official decision has been made by the league, which is also looking into possible radio frequency violation by the Patriots during the same game. Possible irregularities in its communication setup have met no explanation by the Patriots.

"When you're successful in anything, a lot of people like to try to take you down and do different things. We understand that," was the comment by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "The rule is that no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game. Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited. We are looking into whether the Patriots violated this rule," said the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello on Monday.

On Sunday the Patriots (1-0) will welcome the San Diego Chargers (1-0). The Patriots are -4 chalk on the spread and the total for the Patriots-Chargers game is currently set at 46.5 points by the online betting website Bodog Sports. The New England Patriots remain the favorite to win the 2008 Super Bowl.

Published on 09/12/2007