NFL Fines Patriots For Cheating

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New England Patriots have been punished by the NFL for videotaping an opponent's offensive and defensive signals. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined the league maximum

Thursday, September 13th 2007, 7:56 pm

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New England Patriots have been punished by the NFL for videotaping an opponent's offensive and defensive signals. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined the league maximum of $500,000, and the team has been ordered to pay $250,000 for illegally taping the New York Jets' sidelines during last Sunday's
38-14 win at the Meadowlands.

Commissioner Roger Goodell also ordered the team to give up next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't.

In a letter to the Patriots, Goodell said the episode "represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field."