NFL fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000 and team $250,000 for spying on opponent
September 13, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) — Bill Belichick should be able to read this signal clearly: Spy on your opponents, and it will cost you.
The New England coach was fined the NFL maximum of $500,000 Thursday and the Patriots were ordered to pay $250,000 for stealing an opponent’s defensive signals.
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.
The videotaping came to light after a camera was confiscated from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella while he was on the New York Jets’ sideline during New England’s 38-14 win last Sunday at Giants Stadium.