What do you now think about Bill Billicheat?

[Favpack]

Is this guy a HOF coach or a cheat? A genius that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar once or twice, or a chronic cheater?

[KT2000]

My perception of Belichick as a top notch coach isn't changed because I'm sure most of the league is guilty of doing things like that. The Pats just got caught. Because of digital film capabilities today, and how detail oriented the NFL has become there really isn't much one team can't find out about the other. I think that is part of the reason we see such parity today other than the salary cap. Peyton Manning said it best last year, "The NFL is a copycat league." Manning said that when asked about how he picked up the key to move the ball on New England's defense last year. He'd studied other NFL teams with similar schemes, and how they teams they played reacted to it (what worked vs. what didn't).

[Reaganrattler07]

It would explain how he always knows everything about anyone. I've never liked him. I thought he was an arrogant a-hole but this wouldn't suprise me. They made such a big deal when Miami recorded audio about their signals and voted against rules that would help against cheating.

Now, before someone brings up George Allen...that was a different place and time!:)

[ThEgReAtOnE]

My perception of Belichick as a top notch coach isn't changed because I'm sure most of the league is guilty of doing things like that. The Pats just got caught. Because of digital film capabilities today, and how detail oriented the NFL has become there really isn't much one team can't find out about the other. I think that is part of the reason we see such parity today other than the salary cap. Peyton Manning said it best last year, "The NFL is a copycat league." Manning said that when asked about how he picked up the key to move the ball on New England's defense last year. He'd studied other NFL teams with similar schemes, and how they teams they played reacted to it (what worked vs. what didn't).

KT, the point isn't Manning studying film, it's Manning taking a camera and going to the (HQ) or sideline of the opponent and recording on-field/sideline lingo. That's a BIG difference. If it were simply ok to take a camera or audio recording device into the HQ of the enemy, a war wouldn't even be a war... it'd be a slaughter. Think about it.. I could see you giving signals and covering your mouth and I wouldn't know a thing you're saying or referring to. That's typical of most sports. But, if I could actually hear and see your preparation, board-talk and (audible/play-call) signal-lingo, it would be easier for me to adjust or counter you. Like Mike Tomlin said, "Where there's smoke, there's fire!"

This sort of thing does NOT happen all the time and rumors have placed the Patriots at the center of this for a few years, now. This is worse than Steroids or Gambling. This is exploitation/cheating at its' highest level.

[Dawg Fan]

I have zero respect for the organization.:mad:

[KT2000]

TGO, I didn't read anything about them getting actual sound. If that's the case, then they should definitely be penalized. I was under the impression they were just filming.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

TGO, I didn't read anything about them getting actual sound. If that's the case, then they should definitely be penalized. I was under the impression they were just filming.

Well, it would be a tad bit funny (in this day and age) if a camera man wasn't recording sound, wouldn't it?? JMO!

[KT2000]

Well, it would be a tad bit funny (in this day and age) if a camera man wasn't recording sound, wouldn't it?? JMO!

I interpreted the article I read on it to say the Pats were filming the opposite sideline from their own sideline, so I just assumed sound wouldn't come into play filming across a field with the crowd noise in addition to the commotion on the field of play. Maybe I just totally misread. I don't have a link but it was on ESPN.com.

[PantherStang84]

I interpreted the article I read on it to say the Pats were filming the opposite sideline from their own sideline, so I just assumed sound wouldn't come into play filming across a field with the crowd noise in addition to the commotion on the field of play. Maybe I just totally misread. I don't have a link but it was on ESPN.com.

No. Actually, they were on the Jets sideline. I haven't heard anything about sound though. Regardless, forget draft picks. Forfeiture of the win is the only just punishment.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

I interpreted the article I read on it to say the Pats were filming the opposite sideline from their own sideline, so I just assumed sound wouldn't come into play filming across a field with the crowd noise in addition to the commotion on the field of play. Maybe I just totally misread. I don't have a link but it was on ESPN.com.

It had been rumored that at specific times, during the Green Bay game - last year - a Patriots camera actually went to the other side of the field (don't ask how he credentialed over) and got pretty darn close. AND.. he was relaying information using hand signals. I assumed (because there isn't much detail) that this was happening, during the Jets game.

My point was, if you're going to hide the fact that your stealing plays (or trying to) why ZOOM IN and why NOT have AUDIO?? Anyone who sees this guys' film will notice the immediate attention and focus he has on.. the opponents' signals. He sets himself up for failure.

Oh and it's also rumored that Mangini might have dropped a dime on his old HC. Haha.. the irony of winning... err, losing.

[JMSFan]

My perception of Belichick as a top notch coach isn't changed because I'm sure most of the league is guilty of doing things like that. The Pats just got caught. Because of digital film capabilities today, and how detail oriented the NFL has become there really isn't much one team can't find out about the other. I think that is part of the reason we see such parity today other than the salary cap. Peyton Manning said it best last year, "The NFL is a copycat league." Manning said that when asked about how he picked up the key to move the ball on New England's defense last year. He'd studied other NFL teams with similar schemes, and how they teams they played reacted to it (what worked vs. what didn't).

If Belichick knew what was going on, then in my opinion, his status as a top notch coach is bogus. That would make him a cheater. Doesnt this make you wonder if his three SuperBowls in 4 years is bogus too?

[HUM398]

Lets take a vote.


Who hated the Pats before this?

[lonny23]

Is this guy a HOF coach or a cheat? A genius that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar once or twice, or a chronic cheater?
I've always disliked that dirtbag. I think he's been doing this for quite a while. He probably wasn't cheating for most of his time in Cleveland.

[JMSFan]

Lets take a vote.


Who hated the Pats before this?

Count my vote.

[lonny23]

Lets take a vote.


Who hated the Pats before this?
I didn't hate the Pats. I just hated the slimeball coaching them.

[slorch]

Well, it would be a tad bit funny (in this day and age) if a camera man wasn't recording sound, wouldn't it?? JMO!

he was just working as fast as the hammer and chisel would go...:D

[slorch]

i didn't hate anyone...more than the Redskins.

Go Pokes!


didn't have a prob with the Pats. If you ain't cheatin, you ain't tryin.

Some of y'all are acting like big time pollyannas. Get over it.

[PantherStang84]

If you ain't cheatin, you ain't tryin.

Some of y'all are acting like big time pollyannas. Get over it.


I couldn't have said it better myself.

Signed,

Tim Donaghy

[slorch]

you just nailed the league's biggest concern- gambling, and what effect this could have on their little racket...

[mad_fan]

you just nailed the league's biggest concern- gambling, and what effect this could have on their little racket...

Funny thing is Green Bay complained about this last year...
League response...nothing...
People ask how I can bet on high school football...
Because it's a safer bet...

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

The messed up thing about this, is that with all that talent, the Pats didn't even need to cheat against the Jets.

With all due respect to the Jets, it don't take cheating to just throw the ball down the field for Randy Moss to just run under it and catch it.

[KLH75287]

If you consider the fact that stadium security and the NFL were informed before the game to be on the lookout for the suspected bad guy by someone who formerly worked under BB and the Pats, but is now the coach of the NYJ, then you have to think he was well aware of this practice and how common it is within that organization. To be on the opponents sidelines shooting vids, you have be network credentialed and wear the proper clothing to identify yourself as such. This guy had neither of the two. Anyone else with a camera if caught will be given the thumb.

Supposedly the same bad guy was escorted out of the stadium at GB last year for this same crap.

I think the commish should throw the book at them for this.

It's not cheating to try to steal another teams signals. That's just one team trying to get an advantage over their opponent. It's becomes cheating if you use any type of listening or recording device to do it, whether it be still photos, videos, or audio receivers. Basically anything other then your eyes and photographic memory. However, if your watching a legally obtained game film that captures this info, and trust it to be the same when you play them, good for you.

[SGP 06 Alumni]

If you consider the fact that stadium security and the NFL were informed before the game to be on the lookout for the suspected bad guy by someone who formerly worked under BB and the Pats, but is now the coach of the NYJ, then you have to think he was well aware of this practice and how common it is within that organization. To be on the opponents sidelines shooting vids, you have be network credentialed and wear the proper clothing to identify yourself as such. This guy had neither of the two. Anyone else with a camera if caught will be given the thumb.

Supposedly the same bad guy was escorted out of the stadium at GB last year for this same crap.

I think the commish should throw the book at them for this.

It's not cheating to try to steal another teams signals. That's just one team trying to get an advantage over their opponent. It's becomes cheating if you use any type of listening or recording device to do it, whether it be still photos, videos, or audio receivers. Basically anything other then your eyes and photographic memory. However, if your watching a legally obtained game film that captures this info, and trust it to be the same when you play them, good for you.


I agree, and I think the Pats should have to forfeit the game as well as lose a couple draft picks. That would be the proper punishment, imo.

[slorch]

I think the standard punishment is a yearlong suspension. I think the coach should face the same, if not, worse penalties for bad conduct.

Mr. Goodell, you thought it was so easy to identify the thugs...

[SVite]

draft picks and a hit in the wallet

[slorch]

draft picks affect the future and possibly the next coach. I would like a forfeit, if the team(coaches) knowingly supported it. i still think Billicek should be suspended at least a season, just for consistency's sake.

[CCDawg]

ESPN just said the Patriots forfeit 2008 1st round pick if they make the playoffs, 2nd and 3rd if they don't. There were also fines for the team (250k) and coach(500k).

[SGP 06 Alumni]

ESPN just said the Patriots forfeit 2008 1st round pick if they make the playoffs, 2nd and 3rd if they don't. There were also fines for the team (250k) and coach(500k).

Any chance of them missing the playoffs on purpose?:p Yeah right....lol