Posted at 8:01 a.m., Monday, September 17, 2007
NFL: Belichick will comply with NFL in spying probe
By Howard Ulman
Associated Press
"Of course," he said, when asked about the request for materials.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000 and the team $250,000 on Thursday for violating a league rule that prohibits clubs from using a sideline camera to videotape the opponent's sideline. New England also must forfeit a first-round draft pick next year if it makes the playoffs or a second- and third-rounder if it doesn't.
A video camera was confiscated from a Patriots employee during the first quarter of the team's 38-14 win over the New York Jets on Sept. 9.
Goodell said yesterday he expected the club to give the league the information it sought.
"I'm very confident the Patriots are going to abide by the rules," he said. "They understand that the consequences could increase."
The Patriots beat the San Diego Chargers 38-14 yesterday without the video camera, but many questions at Belichick's regular Monday news conference dealt with the investigation. He tried to shift the focus to the latest win and next Sunday's home game against Buffalo.
Team owner Robert Kraft gave Belichick the game ball last night.
"I appreciated it. It's a nice gesture. The most important thing is to put that (game) behind us," Belichick said. "It's time to move on."
