Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined the maximum amount under the NFL Constitution and By-Laws of $500,000 for violating league policy last Sunday on the use of equipment to videotape an opposing team's offensive or defensive signals.

In addition, Commissioner Roger Goodell also notified the Patriots that they would forfeit their first-round draft choice in 2008 if they reach the playoffs, or their own second-round and third-round picks if they do not qualify for the playoffs, and that the club would be fined $250,000.


NFL fines Belichick, strips Patriots of draft pick (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80251b7e&template=without-video&confirm=true)

Good, I'm glad to see that they aren't going to take away some crappy 2nd day picks. I think the punishment fits the crime, good call Goodell.

Doh! $500k? That's gotta hurt.

:spank: It's not enough... I want a public flogging :spank:

They couldn't fine him any more, he was fined the maximum. The fine isn't what matters it's the draft picks, I'm glad they didn't dock them like a 5th rounder or below.

Roger Goodell is quickly becoming my hero.

Max fine and high draft picks. That's hitting 'em where it hurts.

Some guys on ESPN the other day where saying that a fine doesnt really mean anything and that in the end it will only be passed onto the fans. Im all for the draft pick(s) though.

I was thinking they should forfited their win too, not nessacerly give the Jets a win but take the win away from the Pats.

Overall though the best decision Goodwell has made, imo

Ouch, a 1st rounder is going to really hurt.

so what happens to that first? Give it to the worst team in the league maybe?

Im not sure this does alot of damage to the Patriots. But it is the max fine and 1 high draft pick I personally expected multiple draft picks but whatever. Its not like they are going to lose a top 20 pick. Should an asterisk be placed next to the Patriots superbowl wins? Those of you that think Bonds should have the asterisk eventhough he has never been caught. Now that Bill Belicheat has been caught don't you think it should be mentioned as a footnote? How often do you think this has been going on? I'd bet those wins over the Colts the last few years might of been tainted. Either way this story is over and now lets move on. Week 2 is here and we have the Eagles to deal with.