For the love of God, enough is enough.
It’s been five months since the Patriots were caught videotaping the Jets’ sidelines.
Five months.
Yet I’m still reading articles about how the Patriots are horrible cheaters, destroying the NFL, worst organization in history, never deserved to win, worse than Bin Laden, responsible for the out-of-control youth in America, causing the nation to go into a recession, yadda, yadda, yadda.
The Patriots cheated, were caught, and were punished.
End of story, right? Of course not. All of the "my franchise is holier-than-thou and would never cheat" NFL fans don't think the punishment is enough.
A $750,000 fine and the docking of a first round draft pick, the harshest penalty in NFL history, isn't enough.
A publicity-hungry Senator who still can’t believe Donovan McNabb threw three interceptions in the Super Bowl is actually wasting government time and money investigating what the Patriots have done over the last seven years.
Wasting tax-payer money at a time when our national debt is $9,253,439,097,069 and growing on the videotaping practices of the New England Patriots.
Are you freaking kidding me?
Here’s what I suggest we do:
Suspend Belichick for life.
Take the Patriots away from Bob Kraft.
Replace Tom Brady with Eli Manning on those Stetson commercials.
I’m fine with all this, as long as we revisit other NFL infractions that seem to have been forgotten during this Spygate scandal.
I suggest we start with the following:
1) Revisit the docking of a third round pick from the Denver Broncos for cheating on the salary cap. The 1998 Broncos won the Super Bowl, but in reality they never should have been allowed to field a team because they cheated on the salary cap.
They were docked a third round draft pick.
By today’s Patriots-related standards, that’s hardly enough. They should be stripped of their Super Bowl championship, John Elway should be removed from the Hall of Fame, Mike Shanahan should be suspended for at least a year, and they should lose their entire 2008 draft.
2) In 2006, a doctor on the Steelers’ staff purchased $150,000 in testosterone and human growth hormone. While there is no proof a player actually used the stuff, it still constitutes breaking the rules.
The Steelers should be docked a second-round draft pick and their Super Bowl title should have a Barry Bonds style asterisk next to it.
3) Jimmy Johnson admitted to dabbling in the same video practices as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s $500,000 in fines for him, $250,000 for Jerry Jones, and one of their two first round picks this season (plus all the other things we agreed to at the start of this column).
I mean, he admitted to doing the exact same thing Belichick did, so he should get the same punishment.
Right?
4) Ron Jaworski said the following at some point during the 243 hours of Super Bowl pregame:
"I'm going to give you a real-life example. I'm going to take you back to 1975.
I'm playing quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams against the St. Louis Cardinals in a playoff game. We had stolen their signals by studying the St. Louis Cardinals defensive coordinator who called the plays.
James Harris, my backup quarterback on the sideline, had a red towel in his hand. Every time I broke the huddle, I would look over to James Harris. For a quarter and a half, I got nothing.
But then in the second quarter, I break the huddle and James Harris throws the red towel on the ground. That was the signal to me that he had gotten their signal that a blitz was coming, the middle of the field was open. I hit Harold Jackson for a long touchdown pass.”
Looks like we need to take at least a second round pick away from the Rams, right?
5) In 1969, the honorable Don Shula was the head coach of the Baltimore Colts when the Miami Dolphins contacted him and eventually signed him as their new head coach.
The NFL ruled that the Dolphins tampered with him while he was still under contract to the Colts. His team was stripped of their first round draft pick (which was awarded to the Colts).
Had they not committed this infraction and stolen Shula from the Colts, one could argue they never would have had their undefeated season. I guess that means we need to put an asterisk next to the 1972 Dolphins' perfect season.
The list of examples goes on and on.
You can read about how far back cheating in the NFL goes in this fantastic article: http://www.thesportgallery.com/sport-stories/1967aug-nflspy.html
I’m not saying the Patriots didn’t deserve the punishment they got. I actually think the punishment fit the crime. But the singling out of one franchise and ignoring the rest of the NFL is both insulting and petty.
If you root for an NFL team that has been around for more than twenty years, odds are I can go back and find an example of them cheating.
I could lecture you all on throwing stones from glass houses, but I’m certain it will fall on deaf ears.
As a Patriots fan who lived through all of the horrible years, the Tony Eason years, the one and two win seasons, I promise you this: I will NOT let NFL fans, former Patriots employees, a ridiculously biased Senator with nothing better to do, or a former Rams player who still doesn’t understand how his team lost 6 years ago ruin the last seven years for me.
Three Super Bowl championships, four AFC championships, six AFC East championships, and the only 16-0 season in NFL history—and we’ll be back again next year even without our first round pick.
Whether you, Senator Specter, the New York Jets, Al Davis, Jessica Simpson, the state of Pennsylvania, or the wonderful “anonymous” commenters who are kind enough to post their Spygate thoughts on every article I write like it or not.
My name is Sean Crowe and I root for the AFC Champion New England Patriots.
SeanMC is a Columnist at Bleacher Report. His archive can be found here. You can find everything he writes, including articles for other publications, here.
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8 months ago
Sour grapes,dude.The reason you are upset is because your boys were caught.As for the examples you present,I've never heard of any of them.Now having said that,Ido not agree with the punishment against the Patriots.They did nothing wrong,but Godell wants to set examples of percieved and real wrongs.Not sure how that will play out.
from 8 months ago
I'm not upset they were caught, I'm upset with the piling on. I'm perfectly OK with the punishment they received. What's happening now is people who were sick of seeing the Patriots win, people who hate Belichick, people who have rooting interests for other teams are trying to use this to apparently get the Patriots kicked out of the NFL.
Right now, everyone's using the word of a former Patriots' employee who was fired for secretly recording conversations he had with his boss. Right now, a moron Senator who wants the 2004 Super Bowl overturned is wasting tax payer money to investigate the Patriots. Right now, every former NFL player with an ax to grind is using this to discredit everything the Patriots have accomplished.
It's ridiculous.
If this were the Miami Dolphins or the Atlanta Falcons nobody would care, there would be no investigation, and people would be complaining that the punishment was too harsh.
8 months ago
Sean,
Well said. There might be more to the Shula scenario. I can't remember exactly, but it was something like several of his players came with him from the Colts to the Dolphins. The league later created rules for such a thing.
8 months ago
This is what Kurt Warner, who although wants an investigation, said during an interview a couple of weeks ago (small excerpt):
... Warner says he has no insight into the Patriots' methods, although he has heard from quarterbacks who gained an advantage because their teams stole signals. "I've actually talked to people this year that said they played on teams that had the other team's signals," Warner says. "So as the quarterback, you go up to the line of scrimmage, and they're telling you in your helmet what coverage you are going to see, what play to check to ....
And Jimmy Johnson did more than just filming. As recently as when he coached the Dolphins, here's what he admits doing:
"When I went to the Dolphins and they talked about how you're supposed to have a 15-second cutoff [in communication] to your quarterback, but here is what we do [to circumvent that]," Johnson said. "They said they've always done this. So I said, 'OK, let's go ahead and do it.' Then the league said, 'Hey, we hear you're doing that, so don't do it anymore.'
8 months ago
Are you kidding me? The Steelers issue? Did you happen to know that doctor was on the staff of a University also? There's no proof any Steeler used the stuff and it was AFTER their 2005 Super Bowl win. Get a grip. Patriots are an awesome team. I like the players..their coach cheated and their coach is not exactly liked in the NFL coaching circles either...probably for cheating and other reasons. Not that he has to be liked, but damn dude...he cheated and got caught. You're upset the Pats lost...get over it. Almost every NFL fan that wasn't a Pats fan is elated that the Giants won and the cheaters lost.
Dallas Cowgirls scandal..wow, there's a shocker. Cowboys did something illegal or against the rules???
You aren't going to keep whining until next season are you?
from 8 months ago
Wasn't there a coach on the Cowboys who got suspended for using HGH this season? Didn't the NFL say that the rule applied to all NFL team employees, which is why he was suspended?
There was a coach on the Lions who was suspended for driving naked. Rules apply to employees as well.
8 months ago
Sean you forgot about Rodney Harrison getting caught for illegal drugs before the spygate in the beginning of this year. How and why could you possibly forget to leave this one out? Does that count as cheating to? Your gonna see Eli Manning all over the place-newspapers, t.v. commercials, your probably having nightmares about this guy. It's ok Sean everythings gonna be ok. As far as this spygate thing goes Bill The Cheat released a quote denying that he ever watched film involving the current allegations presented by walsh. He sounds just like BONDS and CLEMENS in complete denial about something that they've done illegal in their past. ELI (6'4 Laser Rocket Arm) MANNING the MVP of superbowl 42 when he gave all of the NE Pats dirty sanchez's including Tom Brady as he went 9/15 152 yds and 2 TD in the 4th to seal the win wants to know how things in Boston are doing Sean??????????????
from 8 months ago
You are absolutely right, I forgot about Rodney Harrison.
Of course, you forgot that Bill Belichick learned his spying ways while working under Bill Parcells in New York. So I guess we'll have to retroactively punish the Giants by taking away this year's Super Bowl win, right?
I think it was Mike Tomlin who said that he has heard things about all the coaches from "that coaching tree".....you realize, Coughlin is from the same tree, right?
8 months ago
18 - 0. That says it all. The Pats raised the level of the game forever. They inspired other teams to reach heights they never dreamed of. Why spend time looking at the negative.? These guys lay their bodies, hearts and minds on the line every week. Go Pats, go Giants. We love football. we should get down on our hands and knees and thank the pig iron gods that men are willing to do this for our entertainment.
from 7 months ago
Actually 18-1 says it all.
What a classless act the Patriots are.
Belicheat didn't have the courtesy to stay on the field until the end of the game, Pretty Boy Brady and Moss couldn't show their whipped faces at the Pro Bowl and The Dude In The Hoodie waited five months before mumbling his way through an incomprehensible statement.
Prior to the Super Bowl I was actually rooting for the Patriots. After this loser behavior, I see them for the spoiled brats they are.
I will enjoy each and every Patriots' loss next year.
Yep, 18-1 says it all.
Bill
8 months ago
right on great article not one sided.................... and were moving on thinking about next year go pats go
8 months ago
I was organizing lynch mobs against the Patriots until a few weeks ago. Being from Pittsburgh (I'll let the Steeler comment slide)- we do not exactly love the Patriots around here. I admit now, however, that a little bit of tape can't really have made as big an impact as say, good players.
Senator Specter should be focusing on the hardened criminals of the sports world like Roger Clemens. However, whatever presidential candidate promises to execute Bill Belichick and remove the Patriots from the league, erasing all record of their existence, has my vote in 2008. Who cares about terrorists when the integrity of the NFL is at stake? I'm sure glad the government is cracking down on such grave matters of national security (All said tongue in cheek).
I agree with you. Enough is enough. Every team has its share of rule breakers, dopers, domestic abusers, drunk drivers, and felons. Sort through it and love the game, because that's what it's all about.
8 months ago
Example #5 isn't even against the rules. The Patriots broke the rules by using technology to steal signals.
8 months ago
Sorry, I meant example #4. Stealing signals in-game without the use of technology has always been, and still is, legal.
from 8 months ago
I'm sorry, I was unaware that there was a moral line we could draw to determine what is and isn't cheating...and that line was the use of technology.
from 7 months ago
if the use of technology is the line that makes sense, because anyone who studied hard enough could just learn the signals throught a course of a few weeks
i could not personally myself
but its just stupid
the patriots
the haters
the drawn-on-ness of this
the i dont care that thats not a word nor that this is grammatically incorrect
and
the nfl for having rules that tv can undermine
8 months ago
Sean,
I'm not disputing any of the material you put on here. I agree with it. I think your team is the victim of our new vicious sports cycle that is fabricated by the media. Take drugs in MLB, for instance. This is not news. The only reason this story has become news is because every talking head in the sports media feels as if they must offer an opinion on every on-field and off-field incident that takes place. They have to be disgusted if the players get caught driving drunk. They must be offended if anyone cheats (for the kids.) The sports media always has to feel something instead of reporting facts. We have become accustomed to that type of media, and we have even welcomed it to some degree. Were you actually offended when the media said your team was the best ever? That the other teams virtually had no chance of winning? Well Sean, if you weren't mad about the positive (and NE did receive it's share of praise), how can you become intolerant with the negative, knowing what era we're in? I agree that this story is unfair to the Pats, but you're the hot team in the US right now. Your press will be overblown, whether positive or negative. Keep your head up, beau.
from 8 months ago
Good point. The fans have been negative towards the Patriots since 2003, but it was probably caused in part by the media lovefest that existed up until this season. No doubt.
But boo the players at the probowl, hate the team, say we suck, talk about how great Eli Manning is...all that stuff is fair game.
But we have CONGRESS pushing to get Belichick suspended and Super Bowl victories overturned...that's what caused me to lose it.
8 months ago
One thing you were absolutely right about was all the anonymous hate filled comments after every article you right. You know guys, you don't have to put your actual name on here. Does anyone here really believe my name is Johnny Weeping Willow? No, it's a Dane Cook reference. I just think it's annoying when every time i read something on here the only negative comments are from those "anonymous" characters.
Sean, I respect the way you are standing by your team through all of this.
Minnesota Vikings: 41
New York Giants: 17
Eli Manning - 4 Interceptions
from 8 months ago
Thanks dude. Can't wait until football starts again so we can get past this crap...assuming they still allow the Patriots in the NFL next season.
8 months ago
Well when the website lets me create an account my name will be Chuck Norris right now their having technical difficulties. Wow a vikings fan i guess that game was your franchise's moment of the last ten years actually probably 20 actually the last 30 actually did they ever win a superbowl? Sean haven't heard anything about Parcells cheating have you. Your comment above doesn't really have any facts to back it up. Sean your not the only one thats on the level of whining their are others along with you, but seriously with all the shit you talked about our giants and Eli throughout your articles this one just makes the pats defeat even sweeter then it already was. So thanks from all the giants fans keep up the good work.
from 8 months ago
Hold on, I've talked crap about Eli but not the Giants.
The Giants deserved the win. Their defense was fantastic.
I'm confused at how all these Giants fans all of a sudden love Eli. You're probably one of the same people emailing me back in week 15 when I called him porous saying that I wasn't being hard enough on him.
The Giants won because of their defense. The Patriots lost because their defense couldn't make a play. Eli came along for the ride.
Where do you think Belichick learned the videotaping stuff from? Why do you think Parcells was one of the guys defending him earlier this season?
Or are you that naive?
As Jaworski said, coaches will do ANYTHING for an edge, and you're completely naive if you think yours hasn't.
8 months ago
Sorry to hear you're a patriots fan. That's gotta bite. Despite your shades of denial, you do see enough light to be willing to cut losses, sever ties with Belichick and Kraft and then move on. The Manning for Brady commercial swap was a big indicator that you could be negotiated with. So here it is, give back all the Super Bowl trophies and personal awards garnered from 8 years of cheating. Forfeit all the games retroactively. Fire the entire coaching staff. They all get banned from the NFL for life. Team gets yanked from Kraft and sold to another regional interest, but stays where it is. Keep Brady, all the players, and get your first round draft pick back. Can you swallow that? It would be tough.
As outrageous as it seems, a Congressional investigation could lead to any and all of these potential scenarios if it is found that the cheating was as extensive and institutionalized as it seems it might have been. Regardless, a mere, mea-culpa, let's move on mentality is hardly severe enough for the level of true culpability the Patriots own if they have conspired like it looks like they have.
If so, expect the wheels to start falling off here real soon.
from 8 months ago
I'm OK with all of this, as long as every other NFL team is investigated and their prior punishments are revisited.
I would also like to negotiate keeping Scott Pioli, as we'll need someone to actually make the selection if we get our first round pick back.
8 months ago
Sean,
Our Congress investigating the NFL about your team is extreme, but this is nothing new. Remember SMU getting the death penalty from the NCAA? You guys aren't dead yet. You haven't received a penalty yet, and you guys keep saying 'woe is me.' I really do agree that you have a valid point when you say that NE wasn't the first to cheat, but I find it funny that you're trying to argue that the Pats are being treated unfairly. SMU is still not the same after that penalty. That being said, THERE IS NO WAY A LEAGUE THAT IS BASED ON PARITY WOULD EVER HAND DOWN SUCH A PUNITIVE DECISION, REGARDLESS OF PRESSURE FROM THE GOVERNMENT. Quit worrying about something you can't control already. Your team isn't any different from anyone else's that has attempted to get over and fail. You didn't cheat the cap like the 49ers, so your punishment can't be that severe (dismissal of DeBartolo). In short, your team ain't goin' no where. Chill out.
8 months ago
Good job, Crowe. You're the personification of the Patriots' lack of class. You lost the Super Bowl, and your team is being investigated for what appears to be an extremely underhanded cheating scheme.
But rather than admit any wrongdoing, you point fingers. Good work. It still doesn't excuse your team's lack of class or decency... but the rest of us enjoy watching you writhe and squirm away from culpability.
8 months ago
Had the Pats won the Super Bowl and gone 19-0, this would be the biggest sports scandal since the rigged soccer games in Italy a few years back..
But they didn't win the Super Bowl - they lost.
However, there are still many who want to see this situation fleshed out. Even though the club has been punished, there is a mindset residing in the general public that it wasn't enough.
I say, let's move on. The punishment has been dealt. The final blow was losing their undefeated season in heartbreaking fashion to the improbable Giants.
With that loss, justice was duly served.
8 months ago
Sean, are you also for punishing a son for his father's legal problems? You're parents ever make a mistake? Can we punish you for that, please?
So the Cowboys may have cheated back in the day. Is it really fair to punish them now?
So a father may have murdered another man. Is it fair to punish the son, because after all, they're related right?
from 8 months ago
Just pointing out the ridiculousness of the whole thing. I don't really want the Cowboys to be punished for anything. Wade Phillips is punishment enough.
8 months ago
What scandal?
Every team in the league records signals!
7 months ago
Way to move the goalposts, Sean.
Let me remind you of what you said: "I’m fine with all this, as long as we revisit other NFL infractions that seem to have been forgotten during this spygate scandal."
#4 is not an infraction of any rule.
7 months ago
Good points, but I still think you're a tad angry at the whole 18-1 thing. Don't worry, I'd be pissed off too.
7 months ago
I'M GONNA KILL YOU SEAN! I'LL FIND YOU, FUCKER! "MOUF OF SOUF JER-Z" IS COMING FOR YOU, YA FUCKIN' MARICONE'! I'M GONNA BURY YOU, YOU FUCKIN' COCKA-ROACH!
7 months ago
I am glad you wrote this article, Sean. And I can't believe the total pettiness and stupidity of the people who are still calling for blood. They won't be happy, I guess, until, as you said, the Patriots are just booted out of the NFL. And that last comment... what the hell does it say? I dunno, I just know that I stand behind the Patriots now as I have done for as long as I can remember. Thanks, Sean.
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