Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick

I would have liked to see a suspension and forfeit of that Jets game, but I didn't really think it would happen. At least they made it seem like a priority by losing a 1st round pick. The fine is nothing...Kraft has DEEP pockets, and I wouldn't be surprised if he paid for Bill's fine.

Really what Goodell should have done is tell Belichick, "Ok you can still be the head coach...of the Cleveland Browns" Yeah, let's see how well you do with Derek Anderson and the other Brady

Yeah, but not nearly as much as it would hurt...say us for example.

It will have a good sized effect on the future of their team, but by the time it actually takes effect (that is other teams are getting production from their first rounders in 2008 while the Pats aren't), this event will be so far in the rear view mirror that no one will even suggest that the fall off could be attributable to this.

Essentially, this hurts the team indirectly, but hardly at all directly.

Obviously nobody can see into the future, but you can't necessarily say that losing a 1st rounder will hurt the Pats. It's possible, but not necessarily so. Some (if not many) first rounders are never productive, therefore IF the Pats were to have drafted a first rounder in 2008 that would have been a dud, and now they can't because the draft pick has been forfeited, they would miss out on drafting a dud. Big deal.

Of course this all depends on how you think our present actions alter future events. Hot damn this got philosophical fast.

Seriously, I wonder if this now means Belichick and Manginni won't hug at mid-field?

They only hug if Belichick wins anyway what does it matter?

I'm Sorry Guys but the punishment didn't fit the crime... first we don't know how long has he been doing this and how many of those rings are real. Second even if they take a 1st round pick THEY HAVE TWO so it really doesn't affect them, and the fines come on Kraft will pick the bill.

Goodell dropped the ball big time with his ruling he showed the NFL it's New England's pet. Wade Wilson assistant coach of Dallas got 5 game suspension for using HGH on himself but the team (Chicago) and the players didn't gain an advantage for what he did. The Patriots clearly got an advantage... Banned Belichick from his team would had hurt them must and their chance on doing something this year.....

would you guys trade a 1st round pick for a Superbowl ring? specially if you have 2? because at the end if New England wins it all that's what they did and it's cheap... the punishment didn't fit the crime

Only a few people here seem to understand that Bellicheck himself got fined $500k, that's a huge fine no matter how much you make.

I think Goodell sent a pretty serious message at a time when pro sports in general can't afford to be lax on cheating.

I've thought all off season that the Pats were not destined for the super bowl. I think this will be the first of many roadblocks for them. Public sentiment may affect the team because of this too.

Not to mention, every team that plays them (including us) has extra incentive to prepare that much harder.

Mercedes-McClaren was fined 100 million for cheating and lost all the points for this season... Freddy you forgot the big think here They Cheated.... Imagine how many teams missed the playoffs because of this worst the Superbowl.... it's not like the first time he tried this.... compare it to F1 and it's pocket change... ohh and 500k it's less then 12% of what belichick makes and if he wins the superbowl he get's a 2 mill bonus .... even if he reaches the championship game he get's around 300k

I just saw Belichick on TV ducking all the questions. What a coward! He can't even take responsibility for what he did. What a pussy!

Why not suspend him for a couple games? I dont see why along with the fines Roger didnt suspend him for 3-4 games.

And I agree with the other poster about Belichick not taking responsibility. He is playing the whole I didnt know it was illegal game, and he is so full of shit. This guy still has the biggest ego ever and doesnt want to admit wrong. He is "apologizing" and then explaining why he did that which is bullshit to me.