Every week in the NFL video tape is a common tool used by coaches and players to help improve both individual and team performance on the field. Typically the video records the events that happening on the playing field not the sidelines. It is also examined “after the fact” when the particular game is over by players and coaches preparing for their next opponent.

Recently, at the last Sunday New York Jets – New England Patriots game, Jets security officials caught New England Patriot employee Matt Estrella and confiscated his camera and video tape. The tape showed the Jet’s defensive coaches providing hand signals to the Jets defensive players on the field. The focus was on the coaches not the action on the field. The camera and tape were sealed and sent to the NFL league office.

Before the season began, the league office sent out a memo to the all the teams warning them that video taping from the sidelines was strictly prohibited. Some believe that this warning was mainly directed to the New England Patriot organization. Eric Mangini, former Patriots head coach Bill Bellchick protégé and now the New York Jets head coach, was aware of the previous sign stealing tactics and informed the Jets organization last year. In fact, during the New England – Green Bay Packer game last year, a video photographer was told to put his video camera away.

Roger Goodall, the NFL commisioner who recently has been dealing with the various off field player activities that negatively affect the image of the NFL, made his ruling after the investigation of this incident was complete. Bellichick was determined to be the mastermind of the illegal taping episode was fined $500,000 which is the maximiu amount allowed by the NFL constitution and by-laws. The Patriots were fined $250,000 and could lose their 2008 first round draft pick if they reach the playoffs. They would lose their 2nd and 3rd round picks if they fail to reach the playoffs.

 In a letter to the Patriots, Goodell wrote: “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.”

It would be naïve to think that the Bill Bellichick and the Patriots organization are the only ones engaged in any type of sign stealing activity or opponent espionage because if you “win you are in.” One thing is certain. This episode has tarnished the New England organization recent Super Bowl dominance and the respect around the league of Bellichick’s coaching prowness.