By now everyone, whether you pay attention to sports, or not is aware of an incident in the NFL dubbed “Spy-gate”. A Clever play on the Watergate Scandals, of the Nixon presidency. I won’t be monotonous, with too much detail about the scandal. Hey I’m not exactly Matt Walsh here.

Instead I will offer a little background info on Belichick, The Patriots, and what it means for the immediate future.

In 2000 Bill Belichick took over as head coach of the New England Patriots. A team who had enjoyed some, but albeit limited success in the 7 years prior to his taking over. 4 playoff appearances from 93-99, including a Super Bowl XXXI 35-21 loss to the GB Packers. A total Win- Loss record of 59-53. With a 3-4 record in the post season. That would all change under Belichick.

Under Belichick the Patriots would go on, to Dynasty-esque stardom. Going 91-37, including a 14-3 record in the playoffs. 4 Super Bowl appearances, 3 Lombardi trophy’s. Now folks this was a man who prior to his time in NE, had a career head coaching record of, 36-44, with a playoff record of 1-1, during his much scrutinized tenure, as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

I know what some of you out there are thinking right now. “But it’s possible he was just in a much better situation. You can’t blame Belichick, for a team that had to ship out of town.” You’d be 100% right about that.

It’s not Belichick’s fault for his previous, Richard Jauron- esque coaching record. Sometimes, No most of the time, talent trumps coaching. You really can’t make chicken soup, out of chicken well you know.

One can go on all day, about Belichick’s character, or lack of. This goes beyond that. In a nutshell, Spy-gate may seem harmless. So they were trying to get a competitive advantage, who doesn’t do that. If you’re in sports, and you’re not trying to get ahead, well to put it nicely. You need to find a new job.

Of course everyone tries to get ahead. Just like everyone drives above the speed limit. However, only one team has been caught illegally filming the opposition. It’s an almost unfair competitive advantage. A team who won their 3 Super Bowls, by a mere 3 points.

One could also think, that this must affect their division rivals. The Bills have been a game or 2 from making the playoffs a few times, since 2000. For a team, that is in flux over their long term viability in Western NY. The question has to be asked. Did Roger Goodell’s punishment really fit the crime?

With more info becoming available daily, on Spy-Gate. Including new accusations, by a presently unnamed former Patriots Player, of illegal filming dating back to the 2000 preseason against the Tampa Bay Bucs. As well as Matt Walsh, claiming to have video tapes, that will damage the Patriots.

The slap on the wrist mentality, hasn’t been Goodell’s mo, during his tenure. Curious to say the least. That the Man who once said “If more information regarding Illegal taping, becomes available, he would act accordingly.” Now act’s like he’d rather brush it under the rug, and pretend it never happened.

Next time, I join you here, I will be going a bit more in depth. Quote ables, from around the league. Regarding Spy-Gate. What can be done to offset, signal stealing. As well as my theory on was the Spy-Gate pressure, the reason the Giants won Super Bowl XLII? Until Next time…. Keep those cameras rolling.