NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Answers ‘Spygate’ Questions in Annual Address

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered his annual “State of the NFL” address (aka the Super Bowl press conference) today and was questioned on a wide variety of subjects from NFL International to concussions, steroids and player conduct (among others). The first and most prolific topic of conversation was not only the New England Patriots “Spygate” scandal from earlier this season, but also Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter’s public opinion of it from earlier in the day. Yes, earlier in the day. Good timing, Arlen. It was Senator Spector’s opinion that the NFL should not have trashed the evidence and he felt Commissioner Goodell’s explanation as to why he discarded the evidence “didn’t make any sense at all.” (In case you didn’t know, Commissioner Goodell said he was convinced the Patriots had forwarded to him all the evidence for which he had asked and he didn’t want any more leaks — like the one that allowed Fox network to obtain a copy of the taping against the Jets.) Sen. Specter then called the Commissioner before the Senate Judiciary Committee to talk about what he described as “the inexplicable destruction of the spygate tapes.” Commissioner Goodell’s response was:

“… of course I am more than willing to meet with the senator. I think there are very good explanations for the reason why I destroyed the tapes or had them destroyed by our staff. They were totally consistent with what the team told me. There was no purpose for them. I believe it was helpful in making sure our instructions were followed closely, by not only the Patriots, but also by every other team. I think it was the appropriate thing to do. Our discipline sent a loud message, and I think the team should be congratulated on their success.”

When pressed further about the issue in regards to unanswered questions like, “Why did the Patriots do it? How long were they doing it? What advantage did they get from doing it? What did they do with the information? And did it help them win any games?” the Commissioner said:

“First off, the answers to why they did it have to be answered by the New England Patriots. That is not something that I was really concerned with. As far as it relates to what we found, it was totally consistent with what the team told us. Many of you saw it because it was leaked, one of the tapes. It was very clearly a coach making signals and it shows the down and distance. I believe there were six tapes and, in fact, in one of the tapes, one of the coaches was waving at the camera, indicating that they understood that they were being taped. I think as far as the actual effectiveness of taping signals, as you all know, taking signals from opposing football teams or in other sports is done and it is done quite widely and teams prepare for that. There isn’t a team that doesn’t go into a game prepared for that because of the complex nature of the way they handle either their wristbands, different coaches sending signals in live or not. They all protect against that. I think it probably had a limited effect, if any effect, on the outcome of any game. But that doesn’t change my perspective of if you are violating the rules, you should be punished for that. You should be disciplined, and I think we did that very aggressively.”

Very aggressively, indeed. Commissioner Goodell fined coach Belichick $500,000 and docked the team $250,000 and a first-round draft pick. It was the biggest fine ever for a coach and the first time in NFL history a first-round draft pick has figured in a penalty.

This is old news and I think we ought to put it to rest. If the Patriots win Sunday, it will continue to be a topic of conversation forever. I’ve said before that “Spygate” does taint this undefeated season for the Patriots, even if ever-so-slightly. It’s just a fact they broke the rules. But I don’t think the videotaping had any effect on that lopsided win over the Jets, which was just one of 18 wins so far. What New England has done has been incredible and we ought to recognize it for the amazing achievement that it is. As for Sen. Specter, I think he should just stick with politics and keep his nose out of the NFL.