I knew the Pats were cheaters...

[mheisig]

I think everyone can just forget the idea of Goodell making them forfeit a game after the fact. As far as I know that's completely unprecedented in professional sports, besides the fact that even if the Patriots were stealing signals you can't prove they wouldn't have won the game anyway without stealing them. Regardless, a forfeit isn't happening.

Personally I think taking away draft picks is a slap on the wrist. Like someone else mentioned, the Patriots stock their picks anyway, and taking away picks punishes the entire organization by default for the sins of (potentially) a few. Taking away draft picks also doesn't necessarily hurt. Maybe they lose a good pick, maybe they don't, you'll never know. A massive fine and a lot of time of for a suspension will definitely hurt and definitely send a message, whereas taking draft picks just MIGHT hurt.

The individuals who had a hand in authorizing and directing this should be identified and punished individually, just as they would with steroids or gambling or personal misconduct. The coaching staff responsible should face some substantial fines and substantial suspension periods. By substantial I mean that if Goodell can identify that Belichick authorized or promoted this, he should be suspended for a year or more. That, to me, is the only equitable way send a message.