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Reader comment on:
NFL Needs To Suspend Belichick for Sign Stealing

Submitted by wallycls, Sep 12, 2007 06:05

It is about time we called this incident what it really is, cheating, or alleged cheating if you must. Since this story broke, I've heard it referred to as espionage and spying along with "alleged violation of league policy." We should not confuse this blatant violation of league rules by the coaching staff, and possibly the front office, of an NFL franchise with what thousands of our fellow citizens do, some at great personal risk, in defense of our nation, it belittles their efforts. Sure we can use semantics to justify the use of espionage and spying, but call it what it really is, cheating.

It cheats the Patriot's players and fans, it cheats those teams who have faced the Patriots, it cheats the league, and more importantly, it cheats all the fans of NFL football. What kind of example does this incident set for a sport that reportedly prides itself on good sportsmanship, is supposedly built on character and integrity? Everyone understands that the actions of a few individual players have and will continue to embarrass their teams and tarnish the reputation of the league as a whole. But for a coaching staff and possibly the front office of this "storied" franchise to be involved in such blatant cheating is an outrage and the punishment should be equal to the crime. I believe Terrell "TD" Davis got it right on the NFL network last night when he proposed probation similar to the NCAA, banned from the post-season, regardless of their record. The loss of draft choices and/or fines is not really appropriate in this case. Since espionage is traditionally dealt with severely, let this punishment fit the crime as well.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
Why are we suprised [MORE]	ralf	Sep 14, 2007 23:22
Unlike most of the media who have never played in the nfl or the people who hate or are jealous... [MORE]	whit	Sep 14, 2007 23:18
First off, I am not a Jets fan, but this conduct was totally inappropriate. It makes you wonder how long... [MORE]	A FOOTBALL FAN (not Jets)	Sep 14, 2007 01:36
...Y'all might want to look in the mirror. Sign stealing is a long standing aspect of every NFL team's game... [MORE]	ABigBadBruin	Sep 13, 2007 14:05
This is bigger than Belichick or the Patriots. It's about the integrity of the game, and it's bigger than MIchael... [MORE]	CurtMerzFan	Sep 12, 2007 22:47
this guy states that Belichick is the best coach in the league how can you say that with confidence after... [MORE]	Antoine Flowers	Sep 12, 2007 21:58
The Patriots Superbowl wins are now tainted. Ask Barry Bonds and Pete Rose, that cloud will hang there forever. The Patriots... [MORE]	GT	Sep 12, 2007 17:44
1) They caught the guy with the camera before the end of the half...he didn't get a chance to bring... [MORE]	John H	Sep 12, 2007 14:13
Instead of doing all you say why not just take the headsets away from the Quarterback for the season and... [MORE]	carl marrs	Sep 12, 2007 14:06
The NFL should also reverse the score from the game, awarding the win to the Jets instead. [MORE]	Kevin Fitzgerald	Sep 12, 2007 14:02
Goodell put himself in a difficult spot when he suspended Pacman Jones for the year, and then suspended Vick indefinitely... [MORE]	PKastava	Sep 12, 2007 12:04
It is about time we called this incident what it really is, cheating, or alleged cheating if you must. Since...	wallycls	Sep 12, 2007 06:05
If the Patriots have been found to have cheated, take away a first round draft pick and give it to... [MORE]	Tony Waller	Sep 12, 2007 11:35
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." -... [MORE]	Ace Race	Sep 28, 2007 13:29

Reader comment on:NFL Needs To Suspend Belichick for Sign Stealing

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NFL Needs To Suspend Belichick for Sign Stealing