Quote:
Originally Posted by flambers
Obviously the league commissioners would disagree,
Illegal stick - 2 minute minor
VS
Illegally video taping a team - first round pick
Keep in mind this is the first offense, the first round picks are very important to any NFL team.
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But it isn't a first offense. It is the first time solid proof has come out and penalties issued.
Rumours have been floating around, the league made a point to warn teams against doing this before the season began, and the Pats are caught, with evidence, week #1.
Does everyone try to steal signs? Absolutely. They watch the sidelines and try to see if the other team tips their hand. But by videotaping it, which is explicitly disallowed, the Pats were cheating and punished. You can argue the severity of the penalty, but I don't think you can argue that there was a penalty.
I was surprised do hear Don Shula say he believed this has tainted the Pat Superbowl wins. I've lost some respect for the Pats but I don't know that this has tainted their wins.