NFL hands down
fines in Patriots spying case
The NFL has ruled on the New
England Patriots spying case on Thursday night, fines imposed on
Pats and head coach Bill Belichick.
The NFL ruling in the New England Patriots case is out -
head coach Bill Belichick received the maximum fine of $500,000,
the Patriots were fined $250,000 for violating league's policy
and will take away their first-round 2008 draft choice if the
Pats reach the playoffs. If the New England Patriots do not
qualify for the playoffs, they will loose their second- and
third-round picks.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote to
the Patriots:
"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. I specifically considered whether to impose a
suspension on Coach Belichick. I have determined not to do so,
largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a
maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or
multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and
long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."
The fines come after the New England
Patriots were caught videotaping defensive signals in the season
opener against the Jets. The camera and film were seized before
the end of the first quarter, thus Goodell has determined that
the videotaping did not change the outcome of the Patriots-Jets
game on Sunday. Commissioner Roger Goodell also believes that
the club's ownership was unaware of the illegal actions, but
handed down fines to the club, because "His [Coach
Belichick's] actions and decisions are properly attributed to
the club".
Published on 09/13/2007
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