Maybe Bill Belichick ‘Missed the Memo’

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick issued a one-paragraph statement yesterday apologizing to his team and confirming that he has spoken to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about an “interpretation” of league rules that bans videotaping of the opposing sideline:

“Earlier this week I spoke with Commissioner Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday’s game and my interpretation of the rules. At this point, we have not been notified of the league’s ruling. Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment.”

I’m still not really sure what he was apologizing for, but I don’t see how anyone could misinterpret the rule. Page 105 of the Game Operations manual says: “No video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game.” It later says: “All video shooting locations must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead.” And, in a memo from Ray Anderson, NFL head of football operations, to head coaches and GMs on Sept. 6, 2006: “Video taping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent’s offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches’ booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game.”

As I said yesterday, no official ruling has been determined yet.