Does the punishment really fit the crime?

This whole New England Patriots spying controversy is definitely out of hand, and as a result I have decided I can no longer stay quiet and so I will throw in my two cents.

For those who haven't heard the story, here is a brief but not detailed recap..... NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell found the Patriots guilty of videotaping the New York Jets' signals (I believe defensive signals) during the September 9th game. The punishment was as follows: Coach Bill Belichick must pay, out of his own pocket, $500,000 and the team has to pay $250,000. In addition, Tte Patriots also have to give up their first round draft pick if they reach the playoffs and their second and third round draft picks if they do not reach the playoffs.

The fine was the biggest ever for a coach in the history of the NFL, and never has a team ever had to surrender their first round draft pick as a penalty.

Goodell said concerning the punishment, "I have determined not to do so (impose a suspension), largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension." And "this episode represents a calculated and a deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field".

Bill Belichick responded by saying, "I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused."

Ok, first off for all those saying that they are "disappointed", who are you "disappointed" in? To be "disappointed" in Bill Belichick or the person who recorded this is justified; I will admit that I am "disappointed" in him also. But to be "disappointed" in the New England Patriots meaning the team or the organization is just wrong, really wrong because on the whole, and for the most part, this is a solid group of guys who work hard and never think that another team couldn't possibly be better than them. Owner, Robert Kraft bought the Patriots when they were just about scraping the bottom of the barrel; he turned this franchise around and does not in any way deserve disrespect. The players and Mr. Kraft did not know what was going on as far as "spygate" is concerned. Feel angry folks, but direct your anger to the right place.

For all those players and coaches from other teams who feel justified in going around and talking crap, just remember, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." If you haven't done wrong, go ahead, talk, but I highly doubt that many people in the NFL can say that honestly. In no way am I trying to say what happened is right. And for all those being self righteous, ugly always comes back to you. Mr. Tiki Barber brings up a very good point and I will say it in my own words, other coaches do this, and one prominent coach happened to get caught. If you, Roger Goodell are going to punish one team and are vowing to clean up the NFL, let's go back and view all videotapes and do a league wide investigation; leave no stone unturned! All teams who have done this in the past and all teams who do anything remotely like it in the future should be punished. Because for all those who feel like their role in life is "policeing" (for example Cris Collinsworth of Sunday Night Football on NBC and San Diego Chargers player LaDainian Tomlinson) the NFL or the Patriots; we wouldn't want to be unfair by any extent of the mind now would we? By the way, LaDainian, you should know better than to run your mouth, you've make tons of mistakes yourself. I could sit here all night and cite examples, but I won't act ugly like that.

For those who believe Bill Belichick did this because he won't be here next year, so he did not care, you're wrong because he is signed through next season. Supposedly, he may now be signed through the 2013 season. It is also important to note that the camera was seized before the first quarter finished, and therefore this could not possibly impact the outcome of the game. Secondly, Goodell issued a statement saying that he truly believed Robert Kraft was unaware the actions of Bill Belichick.

Mr. Kraft and his organization created in the New England Patriots, not only a dynasty, but a group of players and a team that its fans are truly proud of. They are fans that stuck with this team through many hard times, and I do not doubt that they will continue to do that now.