Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[QUOTE]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.[/quote]


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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

Roger Goodell is quickly becoming my hero.

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[quote=Mattyk72;351616]Ouch, a 1st rounder is going to really hurt.[/quote]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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[quote=GTripp0012;351620]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.[/quote]

I think they have 2 first rounders next year too

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

they do have 2 and will lose one. I want the Redskins to have it. LOL

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I would have preferred a lifetime ban. $500,000 seems like a lot, but I'm sure Kraft will make it up to him.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

500 grand is a lot to us, but to a coach like Belichick it's probably not a lot. As for the draft pick they are gonna lose, they already have another one (that's more likely to be higher than their original) so it won't make much of an impact at all. I wanted to see Belichick suspended, but I guess that won't happen. Everyone says that fines make huge impacts but when you consider the amount of money they are getting paid it's little more than a slap on the wrist.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;351617]so what happens to that first? Give it to the worst team in the league maybe?[/quote]
Nobody gets it. Every team behind them just moves up a spot.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

Some guy named Kraft is selling lots of video equiptment on Ebay . Im glad they took away the # 1 and 500K !! Lets face it , all teams try and pick up the hand signals during games < Baseball & football > ect. How many of you remember opening day 1978 .............. we played at New England ,,, found a Patriots playbook in the locker room before the game ,,,, and spanked them .

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[quote=steveo395;351646]Nobody gets it. Every team behind them just moves up a spot.[/quote]


But what about the Patriots pick? Who gets that?

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I think the Jets will get it as compensation-- ha, ha :food-smil

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[quote=Mattyk72;351616]Ouch, a 1st rounder is going to really hurt.[/quote]
they actually have 2 first round picks so i think they'll be fine.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

Sorry but not enough. Any team in this league would trade 750K and their first rounder for a SB. They needed to be punished with something that was a clear competitive disadvantage. A loss of all picks in the first three rounds and an 8 game suspension is what he should have done. That would have been a WOAH type punishment that would act as a deterrent.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I definately think that, in addition to the fine and loss of a draft pick or picks, Belichick should have been suspended. If the Dallas QB coach gets a suspension for using HGH for personal reasons, I think Belichick should have been suspended for repeatedly violating NFL rules to gain a competitive advantage.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I expected a suspension, but then heard somone on ESPN saying something to the effect that he still would be coaching behing the scenes via phone, etc.

I think the 500k sends a big message, and actually might make a dent in his pocketbook.

Of course, now his WIFE is going to be pissed at him, so that will be another cross to bear.

J-Dawg

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[QUOTE=jgalecpa;351667]I expected a suspension, but then heard somone on ESPN saying something to the effect that he still would be coaching behing the scenes via phone, etc.

I think the 500k sends a big message, and actually might make a dent in his pocketbook.

Of course, now his WIFE is going to be pissed at him, so that will be another cross to bear.

J-Dawg[/QUOTE]

I believe he is divorced. That is a whole other story. See New York divorcee and Belichick on Google.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

Doesn't surprise me that he is divorced, the guy seems like he would be a real dick.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I don't care how you slice it, 500K is a nice chunk! That's not like some parking ticket. He'll remember it for the rest of his career, and you know what so will the fans.

I think while a suspension could have been in order, no question this is a very satisfactory fine. One thing is for sure, Goodell didn't let him off the hook easy.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

The degree of the draft picks remains to be seen...but I think we can all agree on one thing.....Roger Goodell is NOT screwing around...a first round pick to any team weather it be first or thirty second is a big freaking deal...its not like he said they dont have a say, fifth round pick. I mean yeah maybe they win the super bowl and its not a HUGE deal...but I think it still defintley sends the message its supposed too.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

I think this was as harsh as anyone could have hoped for, a suspension notwithstanding. Is this the largest fine for an NFL head coach ever? Come on, Warpathians do the research!

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[QUOTE=BleedBurgundy;351688]I think this was as harsh as anyone could have hoped for, a suspension notwithstanding. Is this the largest fine for an NFL head coach ever? Come on, Warpathians do the research![/QUOTE]

I believe it's the most a coach can be fined. The most up to this point, I think, was when Mike Tice was fined $100k for scalping Super Bowl tickets.

It should all be in the article

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

Wade Wilson was also fined 100k for using HGH.

This punishment doesn't feel like it's enough imo. He was arrogant enough to try and use the cameras against the guy who was on his coaching staff and knew what went on. He'll probably be arrogant enough to try this again in the future.

Re: 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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;351620]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.[/QUOTE]

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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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 [B]THEY HAVE TWO[/B] 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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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.

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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!

Re: Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick
 

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.