[alex83]

since Roger Godell's induction as NFL commissioner no punishment handed out has been as heavy as the one passed down to the New England Patriots today.

Godell has fined head coach Bill Belichick $500,000, the Patriots $250,000 and should the Pats reach the playoffs they will have their first 2008 first round draft pick stripped. if they do not make the playoffs however (which is unlikely) they will have their 2nd and 3rd round draft picks taken away.
the patriots still have a first round pick obtained by the 49ers after their trade for Randy Moss.

so does the punishment fit the crime? should the Pats be punished more severly for, lets call it, major unsportsman like conduct? or are all of these punishments to much for one team?

NFL fines Belichick, strips Patriots of draft pick

[ThePundit]

That's good. Now that should stop other teams from doing it.

[Bette]

I sure wouldnt want to see just a slap on the wrist. This sounds hefty enough to scare other teams off from doing it. If not, they deserve what they get.