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Specter: Patriots Spying Since 2000

Senator says NFL chief told him Belichick thought it was legal

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Feb 14, 2008 1:14 AM CST
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(Newser) – The New York Jets were just the tip of the iceberg as far as spying goes for New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Senator Arlen Specter said yesterday that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told him Belichick has been illegally taping opponents defensive signals since 2000, reports the Associated Press. Most of the tapes and other evidence has already been destroyed, however.

Specter described Goodel's comments during their meeting yesterday about the NFL's investigation of "Spygate," in which the Pats were caught taping the Jets in the season-opener. Goodell told Specter that Belichick thought his actions were legal. "We are going to agree to disagree on the facts," Goodell said he told Belichick. Specter and Goodell said they may interview Matt Walsh, a former Patriots employee involved the in earlier taping.

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell after meeting with Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., in Washington Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell after meeting with Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., in Washington Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick holds the challenge flag during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Sen. Arlen Specter said yesterday that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told him Belichick has been illegally taping opponents defensive signals...
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick holds the challenge flag during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Sen. Arlen Specter said...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and coach Bill Belichick talk during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at the Super Bowl XLII football game in University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and coach Bill Belichick talk during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at the Super Bowl XLII football game in University of Phoenix Stadium...   (Associated Press)
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)   (Associated Press)
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