Patriots' Belichick makes statement on spying charges
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick apologized Wednesday for the commotion surrounding his team following accusations that his club spied on the Jets during New England's season-opening victory in New York.
Belichick said he spoke with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week 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," Belichick said in a statement. "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."
At a news conference, Belichick refused to answer questions about the accusations, saying he said all he could in his statement. When pressed for a response, Belichick replied: "Are there any questions about the Chargers? Anyone want to talk about the football game?"
The Patriots play San Diego on Sunday night.
The coach's statement follows a report that the NFL is considering punishing the Patriots for spying.
ESPN.com, citing league sources, reported Tuesday that Goodell has determined the Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the Jets' coaches. But the report also said the Patriots have not yet presented their case to the league.
The website's report said Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks."
A league spokesman, however, said only that an investigation is underway. Both teams said no decision has been made.
NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots employee during New England's 38-14 victory. The employee was accused of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches as they signalled to players on the field.
Last season, the Green Bay Packers had an issue with a man wearing a Patriots staff credential who was carrying a video camera on their sideline.
"The rule is that 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," the league said Monday in a statement from spokesman Greg Aiello. "Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited.
There also are questions regarding the Patriots' use of radio frequencies during the game.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft was askedTuesday when he expected a verdict, but said those questions had to be directed toward Goodell.
"There is an investigation going on now, and perhaps an adjudication of it, and I think it would be inappropriate at this time to make any comment," Kraft told reporters at a charity appearance. "When you're successful in anything, a lot of people like to try to take you down and do different things. We understand that.
"We worked very hard to try to put an organization together that we all could be proud of in New England, and we're very proud of the New England Patriots organization and the record that they've established over the last 13 seasons and one game."
The episode figures to fuel more speculation on the reportedly frosty relationship between Jets coach Eric Mangini — a one-time Patriots assistant — andBelichick.