Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Patriots Cheating
Last Sunday when the New England Patriots played the New York Jets, the Patriots were caught videotaping the Jets defensive signals. The NFL security took the camera of Matt Estrella, an assistant to Bill Belicheck, and was accused of videotaping. If a team wants to win that badly, they should study film harder and prepare better, but don’t videotape opposing teams signals cross the line. Goodell is considering punishing New England by making them give up many draft picks because they violated a previous rule that he said when he became commissioner. This wasn't the first time that Matt was accused of taping opposing signals. You would think after the Packers got rid of him for doing this same illegal thing before he would get the picture. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3012989) Why should he risk the respect he gained from the fans, coaches, players, etc. to win one game. (http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spglaub125370818sep12,0,7698580.column) Belichick should be confident enough in his own abilities to go straight up against the other coaching staff. He shouldn’t look for any edge. Belicheck can be known as the most “gifted coach in the game.” He is almost guaranteed a spot in the Hall of fame. The New England Patriots are many kids favorite team. They should be setting a prime example of showing how to act and being good role models. Tom Brady is a favorite of many kids. Kids will always say he’s the best ever of they want to be like Tom. What will they do when they find out he cheats? Are kids going to apply cheating in life? Or in school? People say that football doesn’t just teach you the game and sportsmanship but about life. What can be learned about cheating?
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4 comments:
I agree with your argument that what the Patriots did was cheating and they should be disciplined by the NFL. However I believe taking away draft picks is a bit harsh. I mean they are trying to build a team and the fact that they cheated doesn't change that. However the methods they were using were suspect and deserve punishment. Taking draft picks is a bit extreme and I think most people would be happy with the Patriots being fined and then disciplining the employee doing the illegal taping of game. The NFL should punish the Patriots not cripple their Franchise.
Kevin, I also agree that what the Patriots did was wrong. The Patriots compromised the integrity of the game and lost a lot of respect. I always felt that the Patriots were one of the best organizations in the league. Their players adhear to the team aspect of the sport and their coach is one of the best in the league. Commissioner Goodell did the right thing when disciplining the Pats. The draft picks and fines were acceptable punishments and hopefully this will deter other teams from cheating. He again had to present a strong front to let others in the league know that he means business. You also mentioned that this wasn't the first time that the cheating occured. It makes you wonder about all the success that they have had in the past. Im not saying that they are not a great team or didn't earn what they have accomplished, but when you know what other teams signals are it does provide an advantage. Cheating is a major problem in sports today and needs to be assessed.
I agree with everyone in this post about the Patriots didn't need to cheat to win. They ARE the Patriots. As we have come to find out they were fined $750,000 for the incident. The whole NFL knew that they weren't aloud to do this, especially the assistant coach. I agree with what Brett Favre said earlier this week that "You still need to make the pass, you still need to make the catch, but it definately gives you an edge." This doesn't set a good example for kids or other teams since the Patriots were the "league standard team" in the eyes of many. I hope that everyone learns a lesson to not do this after all this happenings.
I would also agree with you that they should be disciplined because cheating is cheating and thats all there is to it. It almost makes me sick to my stomach to think that Bill would cheat on the game of football. It's like you said he is to some children their idle. I believe that the best punishment and the one that they gave them was taking away draft picks.
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