The rules clearly state "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." They also state that all video for coaching purposes must be shot from locations "enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did not take any gray area into his interpretation of those rules when handing down the NFL maximum penalty of $500,000 to Coach Belichick on Thursday. Goodell also slapped the Patriots with a $250,000 fine of their own for stealing their opponent's defensive signals AND forced them to give up their first round draft pick if they make it to this year's playoffs, which is highly likely, or their second and third round picks if they don't. By penalizing a coach and a team, Goodell has taken the stance that no one, including the team's management, is immune from the repercussions of their actions.

The videotape was confiscated before the end of the first quarter from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella while he was on the New York Jets' sideline during last week's game, so it had no immediate impact on the Jets' loss. Estrella has already been cited and warned once for the same offense in a game against the Green Bay Packers in 2006.

“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Goodell said in a letter to the Patriots. He chose not to suspend Belichick “largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension.” Belichick has accepted full responsibility “for actions that led to tonight's ruling,” and apologizes to all those involved including the Kraft family and the Patriot's fans. Belichick also proclaims that they “have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.”

The New York Jets have stated “We support the commissioner and his findings.”

My only problem with the ruling is where is Estrella's punishment? He knew what he was doing when he is standing on the opposing team's sideline filming the opponent's coach's signals and orders. He's been caught twice within the past calendar year. Why is he not being held accountable for his actions in the slightest? What do you think?

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