...And The Patriots Punishment Is....................

[THUNDER HANDS]

Bill Belichick fined $500,000.

Patriots lose a first round draft pick if they make the playoffs.

[Pale Blue Dot]

1. So if they don't make the playoffs their cheating wasn't as bad?

WTF?

Belichick is an asshole.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. Goodell is a pussy

He'll suspend a player for drugs. But a team cheats and they get a slap on the wrist.

Just goes to show you that if your a young, black, player - you have no rights.
If you're a old, white, coach - you can basically do whatever you want.

This was just as bad as steroids. It was like putting an entire offense on steroids.

[madinmaryland]

2. All the Loser Patriots fans will scream at us calling us Losers for suggesting they

are cheaters.

I think they should forfeit the damn game, but Goodall won't do that!

[fishwax]

10. the loss of a draft pick is probably more severe than forfeiting a single game

I'm guessing if the Patriots had to choose one or the other, they would forfeit the first game of the season, rather than a draft pick ...

[madinmaryland]

4. That was really the penalty?

:wtf:

I didn't see a link and thought it was a joke!

Here's the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/09/13/belichick.fine.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

:grr:

[matcom]

5. just announced

[madinmaryland]

6. Just posted the link. FUCKING CHEATERS!

[matcom]

9. live here but grew up a Skins fan

gotta agree 100%

[madinmaryland]

13. Sorry, but I hate the skins also!

Lifelong Cowboys fan!

:hide:

[matcom]

16. i know

its a wonder i'm even POSTING to you! :P

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Sounds fair to me

:)

[madinmaryland]

8. Slap on the wrist.

:grr:

[bicentennial_baby]

11. Life goes on...

:shrug:

[Pacifist Patriot]

15. How is being fined the maximum a slap on the wrist?

Not a Patriot's fan here. (Though I'm married to one and that creates some interesting weekends towards the end of the calendar year.) Consider me a woefully ignorant football widow.

I'm curious why being fined the maximum Belichick could be fined is just a slap on the wrist. Need ammunition before I broach the subject with hubby.

[THUNDER HANDS]

17. a suspension is more proper

players get suspended when they violate the rules.

coaches should be held to the same standard.

[GOPisEvil]

12. Well, then they'll lose a first round pick then.

Sounds fine to me. I think Belichick should get suspendedfor a game, too. Asking for a forfeit of the game is absurd.

[sniffa]

14. i Love the hysterics

some peopLe here kiLL me. :rofl:

[RiffRandell]

18. Sounds fair to me.

Whine all you you want Pats haters; can't wait until Sunday. Go Pats!

[bluedigger]

19. Seems OK to me

$500,000 fine for Belichick
$250,000 fine for the team
Loss of their first round pick if they make the playoffs (which they will)
Loss of second and third round picks if they don't make the playoffs.

I think Goodell did well on this one - quit yer whinin' and meet and beat us on the field!
(Not meant to single you out Magic Rat)

Now...say something Bill, 'cause dammit, you got some 'splaining to do!