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Call on Pats: Caught Stealing

Commissioner concludes New England taped Jets' signals

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 12, 2007 9:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Confiscated video evidence has confirmed suspicions that the Patriots taped the Jets' defense during Sunday's 38-14 win, ESPN reports. Roger Goodell has reviewed the footage taken from the Pats' sideline and determined that the team violated league rules by recording signals. The commissioner is considering sanctions, which could be as severe as stripping the Pats of multiple draft picks.

New England will have a chance to plead its case, probably in a conference call Friday, but this isn't the first time the team has been suspected. Goodell plans to make an example of the Pats, sources told ESPN, because he started his job with stern warnings about competitive violations, and they're the first club to cross the line.

New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, right, talks to linebacker Junior Seau during second half  NFL football action against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept.  9, 2007. Patriots won, 38-14. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, right, talks to linebacker Junior Seau during second half NFL football action against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007....   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss picks up 13 yards on a pass-play against the New York Jets during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Moss had nine receptions for 183 yards as the Patriots beat the Jets, 38-14....
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss picks up 13 yards on a pass-play against the New York Jets during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford,...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, left,  shakes hands with  New York Jets' head coach Eric Mangini after their NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. . 9, 2007. The Patriots won, 38-14. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, left, shakes hands with New York Jets' head coach Eric Mangini after their NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. . 9, 2007. The Patriots...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles (87) during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots beat the Jets 38-14.  (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles (87) during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 at Giants Stadium...   (Associated Press)
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