FROM GENIUS TO CHEAT - DID BILL GET WHAT HE DESERVED?
By Scott Daniels, Esq., NFL Draft Bible
He was considered one of the smartest coaches in the NFL. He led the New England Patriots to Superbowl victories in 2001, 2003 and 2004. He's at the helm of one of the greatest professional sports teams in the current decade. He's also at the center of a major controversy involving his team's alleged cheating tactics. Bill Belichick, a man once regarded as a football genius, will now be remembered as a cheat.
A few weeks ago, a Patriots video assistant was caught by NFL officials taping the New York Jets' defensive signals. Following the game, the Jets made formal complaints to the league and Belichick and the Patriots were exploited by the league and the media.
While Belichick caught an incredible amount of criticism and was penalized financially by the league, Roger Goodell's decision not to suspend Belichick is under a great deal of scrutiny. For starters, Belichick was at the forefront of a major operation that gave his club an overwhelming advantage in an otherwise pure game. This is a serious scandal that may very well be running rampant in the NFL. Goodell needed to send a message to all coaches that this type of conduct will not be tolerated. His failure to punish Belichick severely could lead other coaches towards a path of deceit.
Historically, cheating has long been a problem in the sports world. Let's take a look back at some infamous cheats and compare their penalties to the likes of Bill Belichick's.
SAMMY SOSA
Steroid allegations on Sosa are endless, but mere speculation at this point. What Sosa was caught with in 2003 was a corked bat. Umpires discovered his "juiced" bat during a game and Sosa claimed he grabbed the bat "by mistake."
Sosa gained an advantage by corking his bat. Belichick gained an advantage by videotaping his opponent's defensive coaches, a move strictly prohibited by the NFL. Difference between the two? Nothing. They are both cheaters.
DAVID ROBERTSON
During a 1985 British Open qualifier, Robertson was caught moving his ball on the green to a more favorable spot closer to the hole. Players in the tournament eventually realized what was happening and quickly notified officials.
Belichick's actions weren't exactly as obvious as Robertson's, but they still tainted the game.
McLAREN RACING TEAM
In a scandal that has shocked the Formula One Racing world, the McLaren Team was found to have used leaked secret documents belonging to Ferrari. On top of a hefty fine, McLaren may face more punishment if the World Motor Sport Council finds further fraudulent conduct.
Both Belichick and McLaren Racing participated in a form of espionage. Both broke the rules of their respective sports and used their opponents' secretive information to advance their own goals.
Comparison of Punishments
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots - Belichick was personally fined $500,000. The Patriots were fined an additional $250,000. The Patriots will also lose their first round draft pick if they make the playoffs. If they do not make the playoffs, they will lose their second and third round draft picks.
Sammy Sosa - Suspended eight games (reduced to seven after appeal).
David Robertson - Fined 20,000 pounds (equivalent to around $30,000 at the time) and banned from the PGA European Tour for 20 years.
McLaren Racing Team - Fined $100 Million and stripped of it's points in the "constructors' standings." (Until this point, McLaren had the point lead).
It seems obvious that Belichick's punishment was by far the lightest. In a written statement by Belichick following his embarrassing incident, he stated: "My interpretation of a rule in the [NFL] Constitution and Bylaws was incorrect." Maybe Belichick and the Patriots didn't think they were acting outside the rules when they taped the Jets' defensive signals. In the court of law, ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Luckily for Belichick, his fate did not rest in the hands of a Judge or jury. However, in the public eye, Belichick will be remembered among sports' most infamous cheats.
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4 comments:
What do you think should have been the punishment? An 8 game suspension, plus those fines? Stripping the Pats of their win vs. the Jets? Further investigation into their practice and possibly stripping the Pats of their Super Bowl victories including one against your Eagles?
If he gets caught again or further information is revealed to Goodell should he be banned forever?
I know the Pats CRUSHED the Chargers this past weekend, but will it have any real effect on the team down the road? I guess only time will tell.
Belichick should have definitely been suspended for at least 4 games. Goodell had an opportunity to set an example and he was way too lenient.
Theres no telling how long the Patriots have been doing this and in fact, the same cameraman was caught last year in Green Bay taping their defensive coordinators. Apparently, the Packers didn't want to complain to the league becuase they lost the game 35-0.
This type of conduct is inexcusable. Belichick's arrogance has finally caught up to him and his Superbowl wins will only be overshadowed by this incident.
I agree that Belichick got off easy and should have received a much stricter penalty; $500,000 is a drop in the bucket for him. That being said, it’s widely believed throughout the league that all teams make attempts – maybe not as blatant - to steal the defensive play calls of their opponents. While knowing your opponent's defensive play calls does present an advantage, players still need to be able to react in “real time” to the action on the field and make beneficial plays for their team. This is something neither Belichick nor any coach can cheat at!
SD - great blog - love reading it!!
Stealing plays has been going on for years in every sport....Belichick just happened to get ratted out by a former employee who was his water boy (mangini).
Even if they know what defense formation is coming out and even if they know what play is being called, their recievers still have to run routes/make catches. Brady still has to make the throws etc. i agree its a huge advantage but 1) it happnes all the time and 2) offense still needs to execute.
im out like DMc.
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