Patriots employee accused of spying on Jets

[RichardCranium]

Video cameraman allegedly tries to steal defensive signals during win

NEW YORK - The NFL is looking into claims a New England Patriots employee was videotaping signals by Jets coaches on New York’s sideline during the season opener.

The investigation was first reported by ESPN.com, which said that NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots employee during New England’s 38-14 victory Sunday. The employee was accused of aiming his camera at the Jets’ defensive coaches, who were sending signals out to the players, sources told the Web site.

“The rule is that no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game,” the league said in a statement from spokesman Greg Aiello. “Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent’s offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited.

“We are looking into whether the Patriots violated this rule.”

The story was first reported on the Web site of Jets Confidential, which said the Jets chief of security alerted NFL security about the issue during the game.

“With anything along those lines, those are all league-related matters, and anything that deals with an issue like this or anything on a team-by-team basis, those all go to the league,” coach Eric Mangini said in his news conference Monday.

When asked if the Jets had in fact notified the league, he said: “It’s all a league matter.”

Patriots spokesman Stacey James declined comment. New England cornerback Ellis Hobbs said he was unaware of the controversy, and unwilling to believe his team had cheated.

“We put too many hours in as individuals and a team to have to go out and cheat,” he said. “If it’s true, obviously, we’re in the wrong. But I’m standing behind my team, my coaches. I don’t think we do that stuff.”

Last November, the Green Bay Packers had an issue with a man wearing a Patriots staff credential and carrying a video camera on the sidelines at Lambeau Field.

Teams are allowed to have a limited number of their own videographers on the sideline during the game, but they must have a credential that authorizes them to shoot video, and wear a yellow vest. But Packers spokesman Jeff Blumb said the person in question didn’t have the right credential and wasn’t wearing a yellow vest, so Packers security asked him to put away the camera.

[Anebriated]

Sour grapes imo.

[RichardCranium]

Two teams in two years? I think it may be more than sour grapes.

[Anebriated]

The Patriots have been dominant for the better part of this decade. 2 teams complain...

[RichardCranium]

They've been dominant because they've been stealing signals, of course.

[Anebriated]

clearly.

[RichardCranium]

I'm being sarcastic, in case my tone isn't conveying properly.

[Anebriated]

Yeah, I picked up on it. I tried to run with the sarcasm but, as you know, its not easy to properly convey it.

[Ilvane]

heh, ridiculous.

Angela

[Sean of the Thread]

Nice contribution.

[Gan]

It would be way easier to put a fan on the opposite 50 yard line and have him zoom in across the field. Providing fans can bring in video cameras, which last I checked it was still ok.

Sounds like sour grapes to me too.

[Warriorbird]

Waterboy flashbacks!

[Anebriated]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/Kyrthos/waterboy5.jpg

[Warriorbird]

You can mess with him...but don't mess with his water.

[TheEschaton]

Your empire is built on a FOUNDATION OF LIES!

[Latrinsorm]

It doesn't even matter if the guy was doing anything untoward, really. The rules say "wear a yellow vest and the right ID" and he didn't. Stupid risk to take on the Pats' part, especially vs. the Packers and Jets (not exactly the Colts and the Chargers).

[Anebriated]

Well the Jets thought they had a decent team going into the year only to get their asses handed to them by the Pats... Im not really surprised they cried foul.

[Tsa`ah]

Question ... put your loyalties aside first.

What would your reaction to this story be if it instead of the Jets, they had played the Bills and Everett's career ended in that game?

Getting the inside on signals could have a greater impact on a game than a win or loss. If a team is stooping low enough to intercept signals, they're putting their colleagues on the other side of the line at risk.

[TheEschaton]

Of course, Everett's injury came from a clean tackle that HE made, and was in no way connected to foul play by an opponent.

All of us in Buffalo and the Bills Nation are upset - but we are a family, and I guarantee you, Kevin Everett won't ever fall by the wayside.

-TheE-

[Tsa`ah]

Eh, Everett was just used as an example of how dangerous a collision sport can be. Getting the scoop on signals increases the risk of serious career ending injury.

[Ilvane]

This whole thing with the Pats goes back to Belichick not staying with the Jets after Parcells left. Mangini tried to say they did this before too.

It's just stupid, ugh.

Angela

[Sean]

So how does your theory apply to the same videographer being removed from a game in Green Bay?

[Latrinsorm]

Belichick never even TRIED to go to GB, obviously they have it in for him.

[Gan]

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe) violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyj)' coaches, according to league sources.

NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on the New England sidelines when it was suspected he was recording the Jets' defensive signals. Sources say the visual evidence confirmed the suspicion.

Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks" because it is the competitive violation in the wake of a stern warning to all teams since he became commissioner, the sources said. The Patriots have been suspected in previous incidents.

The Patriots will be allowed an opportunity to present their case by Friday, sources said, most likely via the telephone.

The league also was reviewing a possible violation into the number of radio frequencies the Patriots were using during Sunday's game, sources said.

The team did not have a satisfactory explanation when asked about possible irregularities in its communication setup during the game.
Goodell is expected to have a decision no later than Friday but that is not set in stone.

The league refused comment but did confirm Monday that they were reviewing a possible violation by the Patriots.

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014677

[Tsa`ah]

Talk about tainting past success.

[TheEschaton]

I have now completely invalidated any success the Patriots have had since Bill Bellicheck, the evil genius, has come to New England.

I now inhabit a much happier world.

-TheE-

[Krendeli]

I'll be interested to see what kind of punishment they get out of this. Give up draft picks? Chances are they will be picking at the end of rounds so giving those up isn't all that great. And if they do have to give them up, who gets the spots? I think they need to forfeit the Jets game and their 1st round pick to them also.

(Not a Jets fan)

[Stanley Burrell]

Prolly what ends up happening when at least one of your worshipped doesn't win a professional title for 86 years.

Beanfucking hacks.

Not that the Jets don't deserve this for defiling The NYG's Meadowlands.

[Latrinsorm]

Prolly what ends up happening when at least one of your worshipped doesn't win a professional title for 86 years.Uh, the Celtics? The Bruins?

I think losing multiple draft picks is appropriately severe.

[Tsa`ah]

And maybe a season's suspension of all involved.

[Latrinsorm]

I just thought of this: isn't it hilarious that Shawne Merriman's team was not penalized in any way for his illegal competitive edge but the Patriots are losing draft picks?

[Anebriated]

Before the Goodell announcement the talk was of a first round pick. I am not sure how it will play out with the "multiple picks" but I would imagine a good start is the loss of the first rounder.

[Anebriated]

1 player cheating != organization cheating

[Latrinsorm]

How can you say that this guy was any more or less sanctioned than Merriman?

[Tsa`ah]

Ok .. now you're being delusional.

Do you think a camera assistant is going to shoot footage of defensive coaches signaling for his porn collection?

This is more than just one guy.

[Celephais]

Ok .. now you're being delusional.

Do you think a camera assistant is going to shoot footage of defensive coaches signaling for his porn collection?

This is more than just one guy.
/agree


1 player cheating != organization cheating
Even if it wasn't the whole organization cheating, how do you triage something like cheating? If one player (even more so since it's an "assistant" not a player) cheats and the whole team benefits from it, despite not being knowledgeable you have to penalize those whom benefited.

Otherwise organizations would hire individuals to *wink wink* help the team *nudge nudge* alleviate themselves of all responsibility and reap the benefits as that individual Tonya Harding's the other teams QB.

[Anebriated]

Im not saying its not wrong, just that it shouldnt be penalized the same. If its a player caught cheating, you penalize him with playing time. If an organization caught cheating, you penalize them with draft picks/salary cap imo.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Latrinsorm
I just thought of this: isn't it hilarious that Shawne Merriman's team was not penalized in any way for his illegal competitive edge but the Patriots are losing draft picks?

It's not the same thing. Shawne Merriman made a personal choice to skirt the rules, even if he claims it was unintentional, and I'm assuming he didn't tell anyone in the organization about it. Do you really believe this guy was keeping those videotapes for himself and not relaying that information to the organization for their benefit?

[Gan]

Need to just sell the team off to another city that wants/deserves to have one.

[Latrinsorm]

I'm assuming he didn't tell anyone in the organization about it.http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/merriman_shawne00.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6098-2005Apr20.html

And they weren't the slightest bit suspicious when they drafted him?

[Sean]

and yet he passed all of his tests except that 1 he failed what 2 years after that...?

[Tsa`ah]

http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/merriman_shawne00.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6098-2005Apr20.html

And they weren't the slightest bit suspicious when they drafted him?

If you hire an ex-con to work the register and he rips YOU off ... he's getting more jail time.

If you hire an ex-con for the purpose of ripping off the company off and splitting take ... you're both going to jail.

Both instances are "if caught" of course.

You're comparing two completely different scenarios and trying to merge two completely differing debates.

[Latrinsorm]

and yet he passed all of his tests except that 1 he failed what 2 years after that...?I wouldn't know, I don't have his secret dossier handy.
If you hire an ex-con for the purpose of ripping off the company off and splitting take ... you're both going to jail.You don't think more people bought tickets and/or Merriman gear due to his on-field performance? Jason Taylor felt ripped-off enough to publically campaign against Merriman for DPoY, if you'll recall.

[crazymage]

If you dont think that every OTHER NFL team is trying to gain some edge you're out of your mind, yeah the Pats cheated agreed. But the other 31 teams just havent gotten caught..

[Sean of the Thread]

Exactly.. they all do it. On every level.

Only one stupid enough to get caught or piss off someone enough to narc so far has been the pats tho.

IMO no big deal. Cheating/espionage is part of the game.

[oldanforgotten]

It's all too convenient to use the theory that "everyone else does it, so its not so bad". Evidence of other teams cheating on a team level please?

Frankly, I find the rule silly, because intelligence on the other team is part of the game, and forbidding the acquisition of it denigrates the game. I thought the league never should have asked Madden to stop his injury pool. It's part of the appeal of the game.

If teams knew their signals were at risk, they would use more complex and multiple signals, and as a result, they'd have more foul ups as a result of missed signals. Part of the game.

Frankly, I wouldn't have wanted to play against Oakland knowing they were throwing a fat bonus to any player who injures a person, If it was dirty enough, they'd get a penalty for it. It's the same logic.

When you mess up assignments on plays because of signal stealing, or people know where other people will be, it greatly enhances the other teams ability to get them out of position, which in essence, causes a higher frequency of big plays, injuries, and whatnot.

The rule has to go, but if only one team is breaking it, it is a definitive competitive edge, and a very stiff penalty should be assigned. But using the lame excuse that everyone does it with no proof is only an illustration of how stupid/homerist the apologist for the action is.
________
Honda S-wing specifications (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_S-wing)

[crazymage]

if the patriots have been doing it for years and didnt get caught what makes you think other teams havent been also?

[RichardCranium]

Report: Mangini blew whistle on Belichick
Jets head coach, ex-Pats assistant, reportedly told NFL about spy tactics

New York Jets coach Eric Mangini told his assistants about the sign-stealing tactics of his former boss and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.

On Sunday, during the fifth meeting between Mangini and Belichick, the Jets were finally able to catch a Patriots' video cameraman trying to take pictures of signals being delivered by New York's defensive coaches, the Daily News said.

Mangini was an assistant under Belichick for six seasons from 2000-2005 before taking the Jets head coaching job prior to the 2006 season.

This videotape needs no interpretation: Belichick walked out of his news conference on Wednesday when pressed repeatedly about the sideline spying scandal that landed him on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s crowded docket.

Ten minutes before his regular availability, Belichick issued a one-paragraph statement apologizing to his team and confirming that he has spoken to Goodell about an “interpretation” of league rules that ban videotaping of the opposing sideline.

“Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players,” Belichick said. “Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment.”

It was not clear whether Belichick was apologizing for his actions or the distraction it has caused his team as it prepares for Sunday night’s marquee game against San Diego. But if he thought — or even hoped — that the standing-room crowd of media was there to talk about the Chargers, he failed to prepare in the manner that has made him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the league.

Never one to relish his interactions with the media, Belichick grimly refused to respond to a half-dozen questions about the scandal, possible punishments and the potential effect on his team. Begging for a football question, he seemed ready to abort the news conference after just a few minutes at the podium.

“Any questions about the Chargers?” he pleaded in his standard, other-things-to-do monotone. “Want to talk about the football game? If not, I think that statement pretty much covers it.”

It appeared that there were none, before one reporter asked about Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

The prospect of defending against the reigning NFL offensive player of the year is not the sort of thing that usually cheers up opposing coaches.

But Belichick smiled.

“I think the Chargers are a concern. Their football team is a concern. That’s what we’re concerned about,” he said. “Whatever happens out there Sunday night, out there on the field, that’s when everybody will make their statement.”

After another 15 minutes of football questions, though, the subject returned to the spying scandal.

“Is there any other question on the Chargers?” Belichick said before walking out. “OK. Yep. That’s all. OK. Thank you.”

NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on Sunday when he was working on the New York Jets’ sideline during New England’s 38-14 victory. The league has confirmed that it is investigating whether the Patriots were taping the Jets’ defensive coaches as they signaled to players on the field.

Jets coach Eric Mangini, a former Belichick assistant, also declined to comment. Asked if he had any knowledge of such shenanigans while he was in New England, he followed the form of his mentor.

“As I said with this whole issue, it’s a league issue and they are handling it,” Mangini said. “And we are really focused on the Ravens.”

Patriots players also tried to focus on their game.

“I’m the last person in the world to know any of that stuff, anyway,” offensive lineman Matt Light said. “I could care less what happens outside of my little world.”

But Goodell doesn’t have that luxury.

In a busy year for his misbehaving minions, the commissioner has already banned Tennessee cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones for the entire season after repeated run-ins with police. Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick has been suspended indefinitely while he faces a likely jail term for his role in a dogfighting ring.

The Bengals had 10 players charged with crimes during a 14-month span, and both receiver Chris Henry and linebacker Odell Thurman are currently suspended. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer wants Goodell to be consistent with his punishment, whether the offender is wearing a uniform or not.

“Hopefully there’s a harsh enough penalty that it’s not worth it to try to cheat and try to get any advantage that you’re not allowed to get,” Palmer said. “I hope the commissioner is just as harsh on them as he’s been on individual players for making mistakes.”

ESPN.com, citing league sources, reported Tuesday that Goodell has already determined the Patriots violated league rules; both teams say no decision has been made. The Web site’s report said Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including docking the Patriots “multiple draft picks.”

Belichick sidestepped questions about the commissioner’s timetable and about whether he had any contingencies in place should he get suspended — the most drastic of the potential penalties Goodell could consider. The coach also refused to discuss whether he worried that the scandal — dubbed “videogate” in the press room, of course — would distract his players.

Also at stake is the legacy of the NFL’s latest dynasty, one that memorably rejected individual on-field introductions before its first Super Bowl victory, instead “choosing to be introduced as a team.” Stressing individual discipline and salary cap selflessness in a league where they tend to be in short supply, the Patriots won three NFL titles in four years and held themselves up as a model organization.

Now, they’re being accused of cheating.

“That’s not going to tarnish this team,” running back Kevin Faulk said. “We know what we do and how hard we work.”

Linebacker Chad Brown, who re-signed for a second stint with the team this week and landed in the middle of the tumult, acknowledged it would be embarrassing if the allegations turn out to be true. But he also said the videotaping is an offshoot of the gamesmanship all teams indulge in.

“I think that all the facts should come out before people judge this organization,” Brown said. “I think we do things the right way.”


Slow news week? Media overhype? Click here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20706148/) for the link.

[senorgordoburro]

All that is going to happen is that they will loose draft picks. I really don't see that affecting them much next year at all though. They already have a stacked team.

[Sean of the Thread]

Rofl.. losing draft picks will fuck anyone. All bullshit aside.

[Bobmuhthol]

Just saw the decision on the news.

Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots organization was fined $250,000. If the Patriots make the playoffs, they'll forfeit one of their two 1st round draft picks. If the Patriots do not make the playoffs, they'll forfeit their 2nd and 3rd round draft picks. No suspensions.

[Anebriated]

bah, just beat me to it.

[Sean of the Thread]

To make things interesting they should put the forfeited draft picks into a lottery for the other teams!

[Parkbandit]

Eh, Everett was just used as an example of how dangerous a collision sport can be. Getting the scoop on signals increases the risk of serious career ending injury.

LOL.

You didn't just make this leap, did you?

[Warriorbird]

To make things interesting they should put the forfeited draft picks into a lottery for the other teams!

That might make this pro football season as cool as the college one.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by OldandForgotten
The rule has to go, but if only one team is breaking it, it is a definitive competitive edge, and a very stiff penalty should be assigned. But using the lame excuse that everyone does it with no proof is only an illustration of how stupid/homerist the apologist for the action is.

I think the rule should remain active. Who really wants to watch a game where the offensive play callers know what the defense is going to do? Personally I don't. A lot the Pats fans (not here) seem to be harping on Skeletor admitting that the Broncos steal signs like 5 years ago using binoculars but the major difference is you can't synch up your eyes to game tape of formations, you can make stills of your eyes, you can't go back and double check something you missed with your eyes, etc. Having a tape is an incredible competitive advantage.

Also Belicheck's apology was garbage. He misinterpreted a rule and they didn't use the tapes to influence the game they were taping? Does anyone believe that.

[TheEschaton]

Last year the Lions played the Patriots in Foxboro. At one point their coach, Rod Marinelli, phoned up to the press box, "There's a camera pointed right at our defensive coach making his calls. Is that allowed?" A Lions' employee called the NFL booth. No, it certainly was not. So the videotaper was stopped. Then after a while he began again. The same process was repeated and he was asked to stop again. Now that's dedication.

Oh, the stories are coming out of the woodwork.

[Latrinsorm]

And again, wtf were the Patriots doing cheating against the LIONS?

[Sean]

More importantly if he wasn't using the signals during the game what was the point of spying on the lions hand signals? Whens the next time they play the Lions did he somehow think they were going to make a miracle happen and run for the playoffs?

[Celephais]

More importantly if he wasn't using the signals during the game what was the point of spying on the lions hand signals? Whens the next time they play the Lions did he somehow think they were going to make a miracle happen and run for the playoffs?
Obviously there is an advantage to taping the defensive coach's signals. It doesn't matter if we see the angle that they're using, they've got an angle. If they didn't get a competitive edge by doing this, they wouldn't continue to do it after they had been told to stop, risking their reputation/money/draft picks.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Celephasis
Obviously there is an advantage to taping the defensive coach's signals. It doesn't matter if we see the angle that they're using, they've got an angle. If they didn't get a competitive edge by doing this, they wouldn't continue to do it after they had been told to stop, risking their reputation/money/draft picks.

I agree. But I was really referencing:


Originally Posted by Bill Belichick
I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling. Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career.

As the commissioner acknowledged, our use of sideline video had no impact on the outcome of last week's game. We have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.


Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the Constitution and Bylaws was incorrect.

With tonight's resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday's game.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3018587

If you didn't gain a competitive advantage during the game you were filming via the films then whats the point of filming non divisional games? Whens the next time he was realistically going to play the lions that he needed their defensive playcalls? Basically what I'm getting at is that even in his apology Belichick is full of shit, but obviously I have no proof of that.

[Celephais]

I agree. But I was really referencing:



If you didn't gain a competitive advantage during the game you were filming via the films then whats the point of filming non divisional games? Whens the next time he was realistically going to play the lions that he needed their defensive playcalls? Basically what I'm getting at is that even in his apology Belichick is full of shit, but obviously I have no proof of that.
Ah, gotcha. Yeah well he is full of shit, I don't believe they weren't using the play calling at the time, but if he wasn't (i doubt it) I think he would likely record ALL games, so that way next time they do come up, he's prepared.. it's just smart.

As for not using them during the game, total total bullshit. Even look at his wording "While the game is in progress" ... so it's okay during half-time or time-outs or maybe even between plays. What an asshole, I don't think this punishment is fitting of the scope he likely abused (although this punishment is all they can justly give without more proof).

[Keller]

Exactly.. they all do it. On every level.

Only one stupid enough to get caught or piss off someone enough to narc so far has been Barry Bonds tho.

IMO no big deal. Cheating is part of the game.

:wasntme:

[Anebriated]

There is like 30-40 seconds between the time the signal is called from the sideline till the ball is snapped. In that time the defense has to decipher the signal and send it down to the players on the field who have to shift their coverage for the play. Im not saying what they did wasnt wrong but thats a lot to do in a small amount of time.

its still cheating though.

[Anebriated]

Anyone want to bet on if barry will be back next season? Im saying no due to the fact that he got the record and the MLB is looking to impliment HGH testing by next season if they can get the players union to agree to it.

[Tsa`ah]

There is like 30-40 seconds between the time the signal is called from the sideline till the ball is snapped. In that time the defense has to decipher the signal and send it down to the players on the field who have to shift their coverage for the play. Im not saying what they did wasnt wrong but thats a lot to do in a small amount of time.

its still cheating though.

That's all well and good for the first time they decode the signal, after that it's pretty instant.

I doubt there's a team in the nfl that has a different call for every play of the game.

[senorgordoburro]

That's all well and good for the first time they decode the signal, after that it's pretty instant.

I doubt there's a team in the nfl that has a different call for every play of the game.


This is excactly right. They said earlier in this investigation that they put these videos into there libraries that they use when watching tape to prepare for there up coming games. So if they go into a game knowing what signals mean certain things then it is instant. Just knowing which side a rush is coming from or whether a team is in zone or man coverage is a huge advantage.

[TheEschaton]

fucking patriots and their empire full of lies. LIES. LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

[Sean of the Thread]

I just read on www.foxnews.com that Senator Kennedy funded the entire operation.

This story just keeps getting better and better.

[crazymage]

Next time we'll allow San diego to steal our signals so they have a chance.

[Apathy]

If you dont think that every OTHER NFL team is trying to gain some edge you're out of your mind, yeah the Pats cheated agreed. But the other 31 teams just havent gotten caught..

If you're not cheating you're not trying FTW.

All these whiney teams piss me off. If it made the game so unfair in the favor of the Patriots, why has Payton wtfpwn'd them 3 times (is it 3 times now?) in a row?

Mangina, I mean Mangini, needs to stfu.

[Latrinsorm]

All these whiney teams piss me off.Your handle! She burns!

[Sean of the Thread]

Tax Profs: Bill Belichick Can Deduct His $500,000 Fine

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/09/17/tax-profs-bill-belichick-can-deduct-his-500000-fine/


Nice.

[Apathy]

Jets ticket holder sues Patriots and coach Belichick, seeks damages of more than $184 million
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr., AP Sports Writer
September 28, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- A New York Jets season-ticket holder filed a class-action lawsuit Friday against the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick for "deceiving customers."

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Newark, N.J., by Carl Mayer of Princeton Township, N.J., stems from the Patriots being caught illegally videotaping signals from Jets coaches in New England's 38-14 season-opening win Sept. 9.

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"They violated the integrity of the game," Mayer's attorney, Bruce Afran, told The Associated Press. "This is a way of punishing Belichick and the Patriots."

Mayer is seeking more than $184 million in damages for Jets ticket holders.

Belichick was fined $500,000 by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and the team was fined $250,000 for violating a league rule that prohibits clubs from using a video camera on the sidelines for any purpose -- including recording signals relayed to opposing players on the field. New England also must forfeit a first-round draft pick next year if it makes the playoffs or a second- and third-rounder if it doesn't.

"They were deceiving customers," said the 48-year-old Mayer. "You can't deceive customers."

The lawsuit maintained that because other teams found illegal videotaping by the defendants, Jets ticket holders should be compensated for all games played in Giants Stadium between the Jets and Patriots since Belichick became head coach in 2000.

The two calculated that because customers paid $61.6 million to watch eight "fraudulent" games, they're entitled to triple that amount -- or $184.8 million -- in compensation under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

"How many times have the Patriots done this? We find it hard to believe they did it just once," Mayer said. "We just want to get to the truth of the matter of what the Patriots did to the Jets. I think the ticket holders are genuinely concerned about it. This is a type of misrepresentation."

Patriots spokesman Stacey James declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Mayer and Afran, who consider themselves public interest lawyers, have been thorns in the side of New Jersey politicians for years, filing lawsuits and demanding investigations to advance their grievances. They are well known in the state but generally have had little success in their causes.

Both have lost bids for elected offices, and Mayer once served as a presidential campaign adviser to Ralph Nader.

Their demand in March for a probe of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's gifts to a former girlfriend was rejected by a federal prosecutor. In 2006, a judge vetoed their effort to block Corzine's appointment of Rep. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to fill the governor's seat in the U.S. Senate.

They also failed to get a court to order a special election to replace Gov. James E. McGreevey when he resigned in 2004.

Now, they're taking on the Patriots.

Their latest lawsuit asserted that the secret videotaping violated the contractual "expectations and rights" of Jets ticket holders "to observe an honest match played in compliance with all laws and regulations."

The actions of Belichick and the Patriots violated federal and state racketeering laws, as well as the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and New Jersey Deceptive Business Practices Act, according to the lawsuit.

"Having been a lifelong Jets fan, as soon as I heard this, I was completely outraged," Mayer said. "The NFL just slapped them on the wrist. I'm a consumer lawyer, and this is consumer fraud."

Associated Press Writer Jeffrey Gold in Newark, N.J., contributed to this report.

Haha.

[Anebriated]

wow

[Celephais]

That's awesome on so many levels... I want to see some idiot lawyer sue the SF Giants over games played with Barry Bonds.