NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets' coaches, according to league sources.
NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from a Patriots video assistant on the New England sidelines when it was suspected he was recording the Jets' defensive signals. Sources say the visual evidence confirmed the suspicion.
Goodell 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, the sources said. The Patriots have been suspected in previous incidents.
The Patriots will be allowed an opportunity to present their case by Friday, sources said, most likely via the telephone.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said on Tuesday that no official decision has been made and that the club has not been notified.
The league also was reviewing a possible violation into the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during Sunday's game, sources said. The team did not have a satisfactory explanation when asked about possible irregularities in its communication setup during the game.
This is a very serious allegation for the Patriots to be dealing with...again. This isn't even the first time that the Patriots have been accused of Stealing Signals. But, in New England Head Coach Bill Bellichick's Defense, teams have done it before, including the Dolphins, when they beat down the Patriots 21-0 in 2006.
The mere fact that this comes up again for Bill Belichick and the Patriots' yet again makes me a little concerned. For the sake of the Patriots, I certainly hope these charges are false, but they have come up before. Whatever punishment Commisionner Goodell sees fit is appropriate.
Coach Belichick, get ready to deal with the consrquence of your team stealing signs from the Jets, as that is just Downright Cheating.
In other Football News, Brady Quinn may be the Starting Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns after Charlie Frye was traded to Seattle for a Sixth Round Draft Choice, The Washington Redskins have signed veteran Wide Receiver Reche Caldwell, and the Tennesee Titans acquired veteran Defensive player Bryce Fisher from Seattle.
Kevin Everett has voluntary movement in his arms and legs, and he may be able to walk again after all, so that is some good news, but he is not out of the woods yet, so keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
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