Bellichick Fined 500K

In case you hadn’t hear yet, here’s the link to the ESPN.com article detailing the NFL’s ruling on the New England Patriots’ sideline videotaping/signal stealing scandal.  Coach Bill Bellichick was fined 500,000 dollars.  New England Patriots ownership was fine 250,000 dollars.  The team must also forfeit its first round draft pick in the next NFL draft if they make the playoffs.  If they fail to make the playoffs (not at all likely) they will forfeit their second and third round draft picks.  No suspensions were levied by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the cheating infraction.

Reviews of this particular punishment have been mixed.  While initially the punishment seems fairly harsh - a half a million dollars and a first round draft pick are nothing to sneeze at - the fact remains that the Patriots own two first round picks, having acquired San Francisco’s first pick in the draft.  Now, instead of getting two first round picks, the Patriots are only getting one.  I suppose it’s slightly apropos that Goodell’s ruling on this particular cheating infraction has served to help re-level the NFL draft playing field.  Was I the only one who didn’t realize the Patriots we due for two first rounders in the offseason?  Can any imagine the destruction they would have leveled on the NFL next year if they’d gotten both of them?

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