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CHEATING IN THE NFL
Bengals, Steelers weigh in on 'Spygate' scandal
Cincinnati coach says Patriots have taken cheating to a new level.
Friday, September 14, 2007
> What do you think of the NFL's punishment of the Patriots?
CINCINNATI — Head coach Marvin Lewis and quarterback Carson Palmer of the Bengals didn't mince words on the topic of "Spygate 2007" — the New England Patriots' cheating scandal.
"If it's true," Lewis said, "then (the Patriots) have taken it to a different level."
Extras
"I hope the commissioner is just as harsh on them as he's been on individual players for making mistakes," Palmer added.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was very harsh. Thursday, he fined New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000 and ordered New England to pay $250,000 for videotaping opponents' offensive and defensive signals. He also ordered the team to give up next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs, and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't.
The Patriots won Super Bowl championships in the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons, and are widely recognized as the NFL's model franchise. If anything, the allegations smear their pristine image.
Especially in the eyes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lost AFC Championship Games at home to New England ('01 and '04 seasons).
"When you look back when we played them in the championship games, and you wonder," Steelers receiver Hines Ward said. "It seemed like they were a step ahead of us at all times."
Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton downplayed the Pats' skulduggery.
"In this league, everybody knows what everybody's going to run," he said. "It's just a matter of if you can stop it. You watch enough film, you know where guys are, where guys are coming from."
But Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a different take.
"It matters," Roethlisberger said. "If you know what coverage it is, you can call certain plays. Defenses do such a great job of disguising stuff nowadays that if you know exactly what's coming you can know whether to call a run or a pass inside or outside."
Browns head coach Romeo Crennel served as Belichick's defensive coordinator with the Patriots. He would not comment specifically on the allegations against his former boss but said all coaches look for an edge.
"Everybody looks across the field to see if they can determine what the signals are," Crennel said. "But that doesn't necessarily help you. Your guys still have to make the plays.
"And I have to figure out the right signals because if what I figure out is wrong and my players get beat for a touchdown because I gave them bad information, then you have to deal with that."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Mike
September 15, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
This story is just getting started. Any reporter worth his/her salt is already working on old Patriots, coaches, interns and anyone else to see what else can be dug up. Ask Nixon if it was over when he resigned. Belichick and all he worked for or with will never get past this.
By Chris
September 15, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
If the NFL won’t punish Belichick enough, the fans should. Don’t attend Pats games when and if they are in town. We deserve better since we pay such high prices to attend games, buy their official merchandise, pay for magazines, build their stadiums and create their empire. The least they could do is do their best to provide teh fans with as honest a product as possible. I don’t want to watch a team “coached” by a cheater and a liar.
By David
September 15, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Tainted? How could their narrow win super bowl victories not be?? The Patriots wouldn’t be cheating unless they knew it gave them an advantage. The NFL rules are crystal clear that this activity is illegal. As a result, the only conclusion you can reach is that the Patriots had an illegal advantage. Now…..to what extent did the cheating help them? I don’t know that answer. But, the very fact that we’re wondering …..makes the wins tainted. There will always be a question mark and asterisk.
By dave
September 15, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
The fact is: everybody cheats. Every team in the league has steroid users, most of them cheat the drug tests, and EVERYBODY tries to steal signals. Coordinators get to have a pair of BINOCULARS in the press box, just for that purpose. The Patriots tried to extend that advantage a little more. They cheated, they were wrong, they deserve a heavier penalty. But everyone in the league is cheating somehow. It’s not a cheat-proof system.
By NFL Fan
September 15, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Romeo Crennel’s comments lead me to believe that the Patriots were cheating in the same manner during his tenure as Defensive Coordinator at New England.
By Dick
September 15, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
I do not believe that the punishment was ENOUGH. In the college ranks, they would be banned from recruiting and from bowl games. The Pats should have been banned from the playoffs in addition to what they got. Their accomplishments over the last few years should be tainted by a “*”,in the record books, as many were probably a result of cheating. In many cases, a game is defined by a single play. Look at the game where the Pittsburgh QB did a tackle that saved a TD.
By Dick Beistel
September 15, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
I do not believe that the punishment was ENOUGH. In the college ranks, they would be banned from recruiting and from bowl games. The Pats should have been banned from the playoffs in addition to what they got. Their accomplishments over the last few years should be tainted by a “*”,in the record books, as many were probably a result of cheating. In many cases, a game is defined by a single play. Look at the game where the Pittsburgh QB did a tackle that saved a TD.
By don
September 14, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
Just about everyone that chimed in on this article is a moron, espeacially that guy that said he’s dealt with new englanders for 30 years, obviously, you haven’t because your assessment was retarded. Wake up, Goodell is a hard a*s. If they had been stealing signs, don’t you think the penalty would’ve been worse? They violated league rules by having a camera on the field, thats it, thats all thats been said, the rest of this is blown up, media BS and jealous fans crying because their team blows.
By John
September 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
I guess were missing something, how about those radio signals they had 4 different signals. Isn”t it nice to listen on what the opposing team is doing.Also several coaches talked about the cheating not just the packers.Bill the cheater should one be fired Period . They do it in companies.Or from NFL suspended for 1 or 2 years. 1 draft pick get serious.This is a joke. Willie Parker wasn’t even drafted and alot of other players as well. At least one thing is good every time you watch the pats. What are you going to be thinking are they cheating today.You see Bill the cheater did it before and did it stop him .Remember he,s not sorry for what he did.Ask yourself this question.How mad would you be if this happen to you.You lost the game because i had all the cards.Im mad as hell and should everybody else. We love the game of football why watch when you know your going to lose any way.
By John
September 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
I guess were missing something, how about those radio signals they had 4 different signals. Isn”t it nice to listen on what the opposing team is doing.Also several coaches talked about the cheating not just the packers.Bill the cheater should one be fired Period . They do it in companies.Or from NFL suspended for 1 or 2 years. 1 draft pick get serious.This is a joke. Willie Parker wasn’t even drafted and alot of other players as well. At least one thing is good every time you watch the pats. What are you going to be thinking are they cheating today.You see Bill the cheater did it before and did it stop him .Remember he,s not sorry for what he did.Ask yourself this question.How mad would you be if this happen to you.You lost the game because i had all the cards.Im mad as hell and should everybody else. We love the game of football why watch when you know your going to lose any way.
By John
September 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
I guess were missing something, how about those radio signals they had 4 different signals. Isn”t it nice to listen on what the opposing team is doing.Also several coaches talked about the cheating not just the packers.Bill the cheater should one be fired Period . They do it in companies.Or from NFL suspended for 1 or 2 years. 1 draft pick get serious.This is a joke. Willie Parker wasn’t even drafted and alot of other players as well. At least one thing is good every time you watch the pats. What are you going to be thinking are they cheating today.You see Bill the cheater did it before and did it stop him .Remember he,s not sorry for what he did.Ask yourself this question.How mad would you be if this happen to you.You lost the game because i had all the cards.Im mad as hell and should everybody else. We love the game of football why watch when you know your going to lose any way.
By jt
September 14, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
its funny that many media and fans call them a great team.. not exactly knowing what i know now. In football more than just about any other sport can one or two plays decide a game. Well, everyone all thought Belichek was a genius cause of his Half-Time adjustments. His adjustments were made after he looked at the cheat tapes and changed his game plan immediatley. That seems pretty obvious now. People forget he was accused of doing this last year against the Dolphins as well.
By Black and Gold
September 14, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
So…do we put an astericks beside their Superbowl wins?
By Joe
September 14, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
The proper punishment would be to take “Home Field Advantage” away for this year, and if caught again for 2 years!!!!!!!
By Randy
September 14, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I think the punishment is a step in the right direction. We need tougher laws against these high priced prima donnas that we put on pedestals. I for one wish all professional sports would go bankrupt. Then maybe after a few years they would all be more likely to play for getting paid when you win. Of course owners would cheat to win and then this is when the owners need to be put in prison and strip of every thing for racketeering. Best sport to watch on TV is the Little League World Series!!!
By Bengwolf15
September 14, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
….They are going to cheat. Instead of getting our kids academically ready for the world, and teach them to respect other people. We are teaching them that everyone is your opponent, and that you must win at “whatever cost.” Afterall, this is the attitude that we have projected to the rest of the world as a whole. I know that I will be sadened, but not surprised if someone sets off a nucleur bomb in this country or if another Virginia Tech happens. Because we have brought it on ourselves.
By Bengwolf15
September 14, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
It is my opinion that this whole scandal with the New England Patriots is just the tip of the iceburg. It’s also only the begining. Why? Because the byproduct of the American culture we live in right now is the breeding of cheaters. What do you think you teach your kids by allowing them to play 2-3 sports at a time, and etc? They are being taught that life is a game, and that you have to win everything or your crap. So what are they going to be doing as they get out into the world…….
By El Presidente
September 14, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
PK, everyone in New England thinks everyone else cheats and that’s how they justify their own bad behavior. I work with, and have worked with the past 30 years, many New Englanders and the common theme is stick it to the man before he sticks it to you. Look at who their senators are in MA, Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. ‘Nuff said I think.
By pkenne
September 14, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
I love how the common theme among Pats fans is that “everyone does it; the league just came down on us”. Yeah, that’s why you’ve been busted for it at least once before.
Belichick claims that he misinterpretted the rule? No way. I read the rule, and it is as black and white as an NFL rule gets. I guess not only is Billy a cheater, he’s a liar too - even when caught, he can’t help but lie about it.
If you ask me, all three of their Super Bowl wins are tainted.
By El Presidente
September 14, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Suspending the coach would have hurt the team (assuming it was a total no-contact suspension). I am not sure why the commissioner didn’t suspend him too, but the punishment is pretty severe. Will is correct, the draft picks alone will hurt the organization for a while, because in additon to being a bunch of cheaters, they don’t like to spend a lot on free agents if they can avoid it. I mean these idots let Adam Vinatieri get away so they wouldn’t have to pay a kicker big money.
By Will
September 14, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Are you guys serious? I say it was pretty severe. What’s suspending Belichick going to do? They still have the same talent on the field so I don’t think that does anything to punish them. But taking draft picks is huge. That’s going to affect this team for years. The only other thing I would like to see is the fine being assessed as a salary cap penalty, now that would sting.
By Will
September 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Are you guys serious? I say it was pretty severe. What’s suspending Belichick going to do? They still have the same talent on the field so I don’t think that does anything to punish them. But taking draft picks is huge. That’s going to affect this team for years. The only other thing I would like to see is the fine being assessed as a salary cap penalty, now that would sting.
By Brianne
September 14, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
This punishment was entirely too lenient. Do you realize what $750,000 is to an organization like the Pats? It’s like a quarter. Plus, they’ll just up their ticket and food prices and make the fans pay for it anyway. Bilichick should have been suspended and the fine should have been higher. Goodell’s good at cracking down on individual players off the field, but this was an utter disappointment for unethical behavior ON the field.
By Brianne
September 14, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
This punishment was entirely too lenient. Do you realize what $750,000 is to an organization like the Pats? It’s like a quarter. Plus, they’ll just up their ticket and food prices and make the fans pay for it anyway. Bilichick should have been suspended and the fine should have been higher. Goodell’s good at cracking down on individual players off the field, but this was an utter disappointment for unethical behavior ON the field.
By denise
September 14, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Bilichik should have been suspended. That would really teach a lesson. These guys make so much money in endorsements etc. that a fine is a drop in the bucket. cheating is cheating period.
By El Presidente
September 14, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Well said Pappy!
By Papillon
September 14, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Brian, Brian, Brian. Face the reality. Stop with the apologist crap. Don’t wrap everyone else up in the same package just because the Patriots are cheaters. Just because you WANT to believe that, doesn’t make it so. It appears they weren’t and aren’t such a great team after all. You go ahead an be a Pats fan but face the fact that those Super Bowls were a mirage.
By Larry
September 14, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Not approptraite that players are suspended for four games on a first offense and an entire season on a third offense. Bill Belichick got no suspension it sends a clear message to the players that the new commissioner is hard on the players but soft on management. If the players are suspended from all apects of football then the coach should not be above the same law. Good Luck trying to get a new contract with the players after this ruling.
By Larry
September 14, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Not approptraite that players are suspended for four games on a first offense and an entire season on a third offense. Bill Belichick got no suspension it sends a clear message to the players that the new commissioner is hard on the players but soft on management. If the players are suspended from all apects of football then the coach should not be above the same law. Good Luck trying to get a new contract with the players after this ruling.
By William
September 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
The difference between the Patriots and every other team in the NFL is this: they got caught. I believe the penalties are appropriate and sends other teams a very strong message.
By El Presidente
September 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Brian, What a great politically correct post. I guess I am not so gifted when I say now we know that the New England Patriots are a bunch of no good cheaters! They say cheaters never prosper, but apparently they can win super bowls by doing so, and I am sure they profited from it. Think about it, they won all three super bowls by 3 points. I think it is part of their New England culture personally. Cheaters, Cheaters, Cheaters!
By Brian
September 14, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
It is unfortunate that this had to happen to such a great team. I’m embarrassed for them but I will still be a Patriots fan.
I am sure this sort of thing happens more than we know. I’m not saying it is right. I guess if other teams have similar “tricks” that they will change them or they may find themselves under the scope of the media as well.