If You Are Not Cheating, You Are Not Trying
Danny Dabiri |Sep 12,2007
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 If You Are Not Cheating, You Are Not Trying
On the urging of New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini, NFL security officials confiscated a camera and tape from New England video assistant Matt Estrella. After reviewing the contents of the tape, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell determined that the Patriots violated league rules. It remains to be seen what punishment Goodell will hand down.
On Wednesday, Bill Belichick issued a statement in response to the league’s finding but declined to answer questions from rabid reporters.
“Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment,” said Belichick.
The Patriots have been accused of this type of behavior in the past. The same video assistant was accused of stealing signs in the Patriots 35-0 annihilation of the Green Bay Packers last season but the tape was not confiscated in that case.
Considering the fact that Eric Mangini was a member of the Patriots coaching staff from 2000-2005, he should have been well versed in the Patriots surveillance methods and prepared to disguise his team’s defensive signals. After all, it was Mangini who alerted the NFL security officials of his suspicions. In light of this fact, it is hard to believe that the Patriots gained any advantage from videotaping the Jets defensive signals.
Furthermore, knowledge of the Jets defensive signals cannot explain how Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss ran past three defenders on his way to a 51-yard touchdown reception. That is just terrible defense, plain and simple.
The media has jumped on this story with the same fervor that Rosie O'Donnell would attack an ice cream cone. Instead of previewing the upcoming matchup against last year’s playoff foe, the San Diego Chargers, sports pundits have been calling for the league to throw the book at the Patriots. In most instances, pundits have suggested docking the Patriots multiple draft picks. Clowns like Woody Paige and Jay Mariotti have advocated suspending Belichick for four games, which is completely absurd.
The Patriots have been embarrassed by this entire episode. The legitimacy of their three Super Bowl championships has been called into question. Bill Belichick’s status as one of the greatest coaches ever has been tarnished. That is punishment enough. Besides, if you're not cheating, you're not trying.
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