[vincesanity82]

On Sunday, Dan Leberfeld of Scout.com reported on suspicions that an employee of the New England Patriots had been stealing signals from the Jets' sideline. The notion that the person would venture onto the New York sideline to obtain images of the signals made no sense to us.

Now, Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that NFL security confiscated a video camera and a videotape from a Patriots' employee who was on the Patriots' sideline.

Per Mortensen, the camera and the tape were placed into a sealed box and shipped to the league office for further review.

Mort's version makes a lot more sense -- if someone is going to record signals, it's not going to happen on the opposing team's sideline. The images will be shot from the safety of the sideline of the team for which the person with the camera works.

In 2006, the Patriots reportedly caused a "sternly written letter" regarding the videotaping of signals and/or play-calling gestures. Also, Mortensen mentions that a similar incident occurred last year, when the Patriots played at Lambeau field.

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[Lefty Noob]

Three times the Pats have been accused of this. Where there's smoke, there's fire, and from all accounts it sounds as though they've been 100% busted this time. Those tapes allegedly do contain footage of Jets coaches, though I guess technically this is still just speculation. My question is, what happens if it turns out the Pats WERE stealing signals? Do they have to forfeit the game? I kind of doubt that. Will they be fined? Docked draft picks?

[vincesanity82]

I dont know lefty but I will say this, How low do you have to stoop to win games? Not saying their guilty but if they are I think the game should be disqualified and they play again..along with fines..just my opinion..

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I dont know lefty but I will say this, How low do you have to stoop to win games? Not saying their guilty but if they are I think the game should be disqualified and they play again..along with fines..just my opinion..

See, if this is true... WHY? It's not like they're not already one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Why cheat?

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

See, if this is true... WHY? It's not like they're not already one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Why cheat?

yea thats the thing, I could see maybe cleveland doing this as a long shot but the pats are loaded with talent, they dont need to cheat...just crazy if you ask me..

[simple simon]

i just heard if it is proven it could cost them a draft pick

[bears9]

Here is what i do if I am Roger Goodell i take way their second round pick and give it two the Jets

[cwstech]

They should have sanctions like the NCAA does when a team cheats. Don't let them participate in the post season this year.

[simple simon]

The Patriots' 38-14 win was largely untainted, for the tape was confiscated in the first quarter.
ESPN - Bryant: Monitor Goodell in Patriots spying scandal - NFL

hadnt heard that before

[Lefty Noob]

Well, even if the tape was confiscated that early, wouldn't they still have at least SOME of the Jets calls? How is that "untainted"?

[legend]

Now I'm reading where Hines Ward says the Patriots had all the Steelers calls in that upset in the Championship game a few years back. This is now what the Pats will deal with over the next weeks, whether it is true or not.

[LSC9901]

OK, I'm not trying to be sarcastic here but someone, anyone please explain to me how this is a good rule when it isn't in place in so many other sports. Don't the runners on 2nd base steal signals ? Don't teams "LISTEN" to other teams with those large Ear things on the sidelines ? Come on this is a childish rule .. but I'm open to explainations.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

OK, I'm not trying to be sarcastic here but someone, anyone please explain to me how this is a good rule when it isn't in place in so many other sports. Don't the runners on 2nd base steal signals ? Don't teams "LISTEN" to other teams with those large Ear things on the sidelines ? Come on this is a childish rule .. but I'm open to explainations.

Not sure if sign stealing is out and out banned in baseball, but I know it's seriously frowned upon. I believe it was the Indians a few years ago who got in a whole heap of trouble for doing it.