First The NBA Cheats And Now The NFL Does

While it hasn't received a lot of notoriety, the Patriots have been accused of videotaping opposing defensive coaches signals in to their defense. Supposedly, Roger Goodell called Coach Bill Belichick into his office and will strip the Pats of multiple draft picks.

This begs several questions. First, what exactly are they gaining by videotaping the defensive signals? Do they know the signals in advance and then tell someone in the Pats coaching staff what play is being called, who then relays the info to the QB? Could be one reason QB Tom Brady has been so successful with seamingly so few weapons. Not sure of the actual reasoning for the taping but obviously it was severe enough for the Commish to reportedly take away draft picks.

Second question is how long has this been going on for? Championships are obviously involved and once you have a ring, you have the ring. Steroids haven't tarnished the Steelers rings and this won't tarnish the Pats rings either. Hell, I'd do it too if I could guarantee a Championship. It's curious that the Jets of all teams were the ones to rat out New England. Coach Eric Mangini was previously with the Pats before accepting the post last season. More curious, is that if Mangini knew of these practices, why did he wait until this year to say something? Surely he could have acquired the needed proof since they play twice a year.

While it's doubtful anyone will ever hear the nitty gritty behind the story, one thing is clear. Goodell has more balls than any other commissioner. And that the Patriots are good cheats if it took them this long to get caught.