Comments on: HIGHLIGHTS OF SPECTER STATEMENT

Comments on: HIGHLIGHTS OF SPECTER STATEMENT http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/ The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:28:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: PFTiswhatitis http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30274 PFTiswhatitis Thu, 15 May 2008 20:09:22 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30274 (2) The NFL confiscated the Jets tape on September 9, 2007; imposed the penalties on September 13, 2007; on September 17, 2007, viewed the tapes for the first time; and then announced they had destroyed those tapes on September 20, 2007. Commissioner Goodell made his judgment on the punishment to be levied before he had viewed the key evidence.” What key evidence did he not view? HE certainly viewed the tapes and had made his mind up that he did not buy BB's loophole excuse. (2) The NFL confiscated the Jets tape on September 9, 2007; imposed the penalties on September 13, 2007; on September 17, 2007, viewed the tapes for the first time; and then announced they had destroyed those tapes on September 20, 2007. Commissioner Goodell made his judgment on the punishment to be levied before he had viewed the key evidence.”

What key evidence did he not view? HE certainly viewed the tapes and had made his mind up that he did not buy BB’s loophole excuse.

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]]> By: bpenlandjr http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30257 bpenlandjr Thu, 15 May 2008 19:47:04 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30257 Florio, you left out some other, very important statements from Spector's statement: "Walsh said he did not tell Goodell about the taping during 2003, 2004 and 2005 because he was not asked. (2) The NFL confiscated the Jets tape on September 9, 2007; imposed the penalties on September 13, 2007; on September 17, 2007, viewed the tapes for the first time; and then announced they had destroyed those tapes on September 20, 2007. Commissioner Goodell made his judgment on the punishment to be levied before he had viewed the key evidence." I, for one, agree with Spector on the timeline. This timeline makes absolutely no sense if you think about. How could the NFL possibly do it's due diligence in just one day???? Goodell's public image has taken a major hit. He knows it too. Why else would he all of a sudden, after declaring "nothing new" from meeting with Walsh, and declaring the "case closed" would he now be calling on the Jet's coach (who is a former Pats coach), to come back to his office?? DEFINITELY A COVER UP!!! Real question, is: What are they covering up? Is it the wide spread cheating all clubs were/are doing? Or were they just trying to sweep this under the rug and hope it goes away??!! Florio, you left out some other, very important statements from Spector’s statement:

“Walsh said he did not tell Goodell about the taping during 2003, 2004 and 2005 because he was not asked.

(2) The NFL confiscated the Jets tape on September 9, 2007; imposed the penalties on September 13, 2007; on September 17, 2007, viewed the tapes for the first time; and then announced they had destroyed those tapes on September 20, 2007. Commissioner Goodell made his judgment on the punishment to be levied before he had viewed the key evidence.”

I, for one, agree with Spector on the timeline. This timeline makes absolutely no sense if you think about. How could the NFL possibly do it’s due diligence in just one day????

Goodell’s public image has taken a major hit. He knows it too. Why else would he all of a sudden, after declaring “nothing new” from meeting with Walsh, and declaring the “case closed” would he now be calling on the Jet’s coach (who is a former Pats coach), to come back to his office??

DEFINITELY A COVER UP!!! Real question, is: What are they covering up? Is it the wide spread cheating all clubs were/are doing? Or were they just trying to sweep this under the rug and hope it goes away??!!

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]]> By: Bob S. http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30138 Bob S. Thu, 15 May 2008 16:25:47 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30138 The Patriots should just be "contracted" as Bud Selig used to say in baseball. The Patriots should just be “contracted” as Bud Selig used to say in baseball.

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]]> By: Mr. Touchdown http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30127 Mr. Touchdown Thu, 15 May 2008 16:14:07 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30127 Oh and that comment by a poster that said basically "everyone does things for special interest reasons.. its human nature" is just flat out WRONG. You obviously judge everyone else by your own fault, but not "everyone" is "anything" Intelligent people don't make blanket statements, because blanket statements are largely false "in nature" Oh and that comment by a poster that said basically “everyone does things for special interest reasons.. its human nature” is just flat out WRONG. You obviously judge everyone else by your own fault, but not “everyone” is “anything”

Intelligent people don’t make blanket statements, because blanket statements are largely false “in nature”

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]]> By: Mr. Touchdown http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30120 Mr. Touchdown Thu, 15 May 2008 16:06:33 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30120 Specter or "Spectacle" is a moron. You make Senators look exactly like they really are... Blabbering idiots fleecing American taxpayers money to fuel their own personal agendas. Why don't you do something about this "sagging economy" and "lousy dollar" ya dope. Specter or “Spectacle” is a moron.

You make Senators look exactly like they really are… Blabbering idiots fleecing American taxpayers money to fuel their own personal agendas. Why don’t you do something about this “sagging economy” and “lousy dollar” ya dope.

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]]> By: Vox Veritas http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30099 Vox Veritas Thu, 15 May 2008 15:45:34 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30099 If you want a good example of irresponsibility, you can look no further than the way that Roger Goodell INVITED a big investigation by destroying the evidence that he destroyed. I mean, if you don't want to look at the gross irresponsibility that has to be present to cheat in a way that all teams were very specifically and explicitly warned against prior to the season, anyway. If you want a good example of irresponsibility, you can look no further than the way that Roger Goodell INVITED a big investigation by destroying the evidence that he destroyed.

I mean, if you don’t want to look at the gross irresponsibility that has to be present to cheat in a way that all teams were very specifically and explicitly warned against prior to the season, anyway.

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]]> By: Vox Veritas http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30097 Vox Veritas Thu, 15 May 2008 15:41:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30097 "Suspending BB isn’t going to make a huge difference. The players will still go out and execute;" Unless it happens to be the Super Bowl, anyway. "and do you really think this won’t put a chip on the shoulder of a team who has proven what it can do when it plays with one." What's that, go 16-0 in the regular season and then commit the worst chokejob in modern sports history in the Super Bowl? “Suspending BB isn’t going to make a huge difference. The players will still go out and execute;”

Unless it happens to be the Super Bowl, anyway.

“and do you really think this won’t put a chip on the shoulder of a team who has proven what it can do when it plays with one.”

What’s that, go 16-0 in the regular season and then commit the worst chokejob in modern sports history in the Super Bowl?

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]]> By: Vox Veritas http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30095 Vox Veritas Thu, 15 May 2008 15:38:57 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30095 "He is so dirty, and so paid off, HOW DO THE PEOPLE OF PA keep electing this blowhard?" Same way the people of MASS keep electing Kennedys, I would expect. “He is so dirty, and so paid off, HOW DO THE PEOPLE OF PA keep electing this blowhard?”

Same way the people of MASS keep electing Kennedys, I would expect.

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]]> By: 4BITS http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30094 4BITS Thu, 15 May 2008 15:38:31 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30094 Wow, there sure is quite a bit of ignorance being shared in regards to this subject. First, of course the congress, and any member thereof, has "more important" issues to contend with but does anyone actually believe that they should only concern themselves with the "more important" issues of the day? How would anything of less importance ever get done? Should all members of congress be locked in session or their offices until all the important issues are resolved and utopia is attained? No individual concentrates all their focus and attention on their most important issues all day every day. The second example of the ignorance of the masses is the point that this is not the business of congress. In order for the NFL to be granted a limited anti-trust exemption it had to agree to congressional oversight. Therefore the business of the NFL is the business of congress. Also, it’s not about the team that cheated, or even how they cheated, it’s about how the league handled the evidence and investigation of a team caught cheating. So the fact that other teams have cheated, and may continue to, doesn’t have anything to do with congress being involved. The real question is, what was it that attracted the attention of Congressman Spector? It was the destroying of the evidence. By destroying the evidence the NFL denied congress the opportunity for oversight in violation of their limited anti-trust exemption agreement. So either Goodell and company, along with all the NFL's lawyers, failed to consider that fact or… they were very much aware of the potential interest of congress and decided they would destroy the evidence anyway. If they didn't consider the anti-trust implications that would be blatant incompetence, and the Patriots and the league as a whole have been done an injustice. If they did consider the implications and still destroyed the tapes? You tell me, why? Wow, there sure is quite a bit of ignorance being shared in regards to this subject. First, of course the congress, and any member thereof, has “more important” issues to contend with but does anyone actually believe that they should only concern themselves with the “more important” issues of the day? How would anything of less importance ever get done? Should all members of congress be locked in session or their offices until all the important issues are resolved and utopia is attained? No individual concentrates all their focus and attention on their most important issues all day every day. The second example of the ignorance of the masses is the point that this is not the business of congress. In order for the NFL to be granted a limited anti-trust exemption it had to agree to congressional oversight. Therefore the business of the NFL is the business of congress. Also, it’s not about the team that cheated, or even how they cheated, it’s about how the league handled the evidence and investigation of a team caught cheating. So the fact that other teams have cheated, and may continue to, doesn’t have anything to do with congress being involved.
The real question is, what was it that attracted the attention of Congressman Spector? It was the destroying of the evidence. By destroying the evidence the NFL denied congress the opportunity for oversight in violation of their limited anti-trust exemption agreement. So either Goodell and company, along with all the NFL’s lawyers, failed to consider that fact or… they were very much aware of the potential interest of congress and decided they would destroy the evidence anyway. If they didn’t consider the anti-trust implications that would be blatant incompetence, and the Patriots and the league as a whole have been done an injustice. If they did consider the implications and still destroyed the tapes? You tell me, why?

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]]> By: Vox Veritas http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30093 Vox Veritas Thu, 15 May 2008 15:37:45 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30093 "all though all teams do what the pats did hate to tell naive fans… Excpet Mike Martz, he was too dumb…" Was he too dumb to do it, or too smart to get caught? I mean let's face it, Beel Beelichick has some football smarts, but football smarts does not automatically = general smarts. “all though all teams do what the pats did hate to tell naive fans… Excpet Mike Martz, he was too dumb…”

Was he too dumb to do it, or too smart to get caught? I mean let’s face it, Beel Beelichick has some football smarts, but football smarts does not automatically = general smarts.

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]]> By: DanFoutsBeard http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30081 DanFoutsBeard Thu, 15 May 2008 15:22:39 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30081 Hey Casanova, How is that whining? I couldn't agree more about Drayton Florence or any other thing the Chargers did wrong that day. That's exactly the point. In a close game, 1 play can decide it. Since your team CHEATED for years, maybe they CHEATED that day. Maybe their CHEATING helped them on a couple of plays. That's all it would of taken. All I said is how can I not wonder if they CHEATED that day. That's not whininng, it's called having brain dooshbag. Hey Casanova,

How is that whining? I couldn’t agree more about Drayton Florence or any other thing the Chargers did wrong that day. That’s exactly the point. In a close game, 1 play can decide it. Since your team CHEATED for years, maybe they CHEATED that day. Maybe their CHEATING helped them on a couple of plays. That’s all it would of taken. All I said is how can I not wonder if they CHEATED that day. That’s not whininng, it’s called having brain dooshbag.

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]]> By: richhamilton12 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30065 richhamilton12 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:04:09 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30065 If you don't think that the defensive signals that were taped weren't used in the same game... you're an idiot. Look at Tom Brady's completion percentage in the 4th quarter of games... that stat is remarkable. If you don’t think that the defensive signals that were taped weren’t used in the same game… you’re an idiot.

Look at Tom Brady’s completion percentage in the 4th quarter of games… that stat is remarkable.

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]]> By: TLyons4 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30061 TLyons4 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:50:30 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30061 "Did it ever occur to any of you that the Pantyrots had scouts at the games of opponents they would play in later weeks? I would bet that those scouts included someone who did taping of the defensive signals…yes, to include the Tampa Bay game!" Since the Tampa Bay game was the opening game of the season, you're claiming that the Patriots were able to send scouts to the Bucs preseason games and videotape the coaches signals without anybody noticing? Right, and Pats fans are the ones grasping at straws... “Did it ever occur to any of you that the Pantyrots had scouts at the games of opponents they would play in later weeks? I would bet that those scouts included someone who did taping of the defensive signals…yes, to include the Tampa Bay game!”

Since the Tampa Bay game was the opening game of the season, you’re claiming that the Patriots were able to send scouts to the Bucs preseason games and videotape the coaches signals without anybody noticing? Right, and Pats fans are the ones grasping at straws…

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]]> By: TLyons4 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30059 TLyons4 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:47:45 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30059 All Pro wrote: "Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in the same game”. Ok - maybe. Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in future games because everyone changes their signs from game to game” Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it?" Who said they didn't use the information from the tapes in future games? I would contend that any rational Patriots fan would say that of course they used that information in following games. They could use that information if the opposing coaching staff wasn't smart enough to change their signals between games. Nobody is saying the information taken from the tapes was never used whatsoever, that would be ignorant. All Pro wrote:

“Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in the same game”.

Ok - maybe.

Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in future games because everyone changes their signs from game to game”

Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it?”

Who said they didn’t use the information from the tapes in future games? I would contend that any rational Patriots fan would say that of course they used that information in following games. They could use that information if the opposing coaching staff wasn’t smart enough to change their signals between games. Nobody is saying the information taken from the tapes was never used whatsoever, that would be ignorant.

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]]> By: Zombie Patriot http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30058 Zombie Patriot Thu, 15 May 2008 14:46:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30058 Cheating does send a bad example. It does send a bad example to the kids. If people in professional sports do it soon even politicians might do it to do things like win the office of president. It is time to move on and I'm sure that if Comcast and the NFL were to settle their issue... Specter would suddenly go quiet on this issue and it would simply go away. At this point they still pull his strings and he continues to dance. Do I think the Patriots gained an advantage from the video taping. Yes, yes I do. However, the only advantage they would gain would be if teams chose to recycle the assignments of signals. Sure, there are a limited number of signals I believe they could use (short of hiring a professional dancer to incorporate moves like 'the robot') and at times those signals would have been repeated. Myself, if you want to call it cheating go ahead. I never really cared all that much as I took it as great advanced scouting. We've heard time and again how the Patriots were supposed to be one of the most prepared football teams and paying attention to the little details, which I believe this is, is a big reason. Cheating does send a bad example. It does send a bad example to the kids. If people in professional sports do it soon even politicians might do it to do things like win the office of president.

It is time to move on and I’m sure that if Comcast and the NFL were to settle their issue… Specter would suddenly go quiet on this issue and it would simply go away. At this point they still pull his strings and he continues to dance.

Do I think the Patriots gained an advantage from the video taping. Yes, yes I do. However, the only advantage they would gain would be if teams chose to recycle the assignments of signals. Sure, there are a limited number of signals I believe they could use (short of hiring a professional dancer to incorporate moves like ‘the robot’) and at times those signals would have been repeated. Myself, if you want to call it cheating go ahead. I never really cared all that much as I took it as great advanced scouting. We’ve heard time and again how the Patriots were supposed to be one of the most prepared football teams and paying attention to the little details, which I believe this is, is a big reason.

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]]> By: Referee http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30044 Referee Thu, 15 May 2008 14:22:33 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30044 The distinguished Senator from Pennsylvannia should have a senate subcommittee hearing to thoroughly investigate the lies and corruptive practices of the La Cosa Nostra Bush Administration. Instead, he is doing all of this nonsense? I am glad to see that while the seventh seal is about to be opened from the book of Revelations and the world apparently is coming apart at the seams while Hezbollah is taking over a sovereign country on behalf of Iran, a member of the alleged axis of evil. In fact it is The New England Patriots who must be vanquished in the eyes of those in the know on Capital Hill??? Thank you Senator Allwet Spector, R-PA isn't he the brother of Phil 'Hair Club for Men' Spector for wasting precious resources on this nonsense... The distinguished Senator from Pennsylvannia should have a senate subcommittee hearing to thoroughly investigate the lies and corruptive practices of the La Cosa Nostra Bush Administration. Instead, he is doing all of this nonsense? I am glad to see that while the seventh seal is about to be opened from the book of Revelations and the world apparently is coming apart at the seams while Hezbollah is taking over a sovereign country on behalf of Iran, a member of the alleged axis of evil. In fact it is The New England Patriots who must be vanquished in the eyes of those in the know on Capital Hill??? Thank you Senator Allwet Spector, R-PA isn’t he the brother of Phil ‘Hair Club for Men’ Spector for wasting precious resources on this nonsense…

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]]> By: ButchD http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30043 ButchD Thu, 15 May 2008 14:21:47 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30043 How convenient for the Giants that the false portion of spygate came out the day before the Super bowl. So it probably should be, Giants* How convenient for the Giants that the false portion of spygate came out the day before the Super bowl. So it probably should be,

Giants*

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]]> By: PFTiswhatitis http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30040 PFTiswhatitis Thu, 15 May 2008 14:17:42 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30040 "One team defies the law of parity and year after year remains right at the top echelon of the league despite the high turnover of players in the NFL and that team just happens to have been the only one caught with taking this edge and for the last 7 years. And they never stopped doing it because it wasn’t helping them? Givemeabreak! " Umm, they continued to do it after spygate. Were they still "cheating"? Didn't Spector also try to get the gov involved when TO was being traded? “One team defies the law of parity and year after year remains right at the top echelon of the league despite the high turnover of players in the NFL and that team just happens to have been the only one caught with taking this edge and for the last 7 years. And they never stopped doing it because it wasn’t helping them? Givemeabreak! ”

Umm, they continued to do it after spygate. Were they still “cheating”?

Didn’t Spector also try to get the gov involved when TO was being traded?

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]]> By: kellyb9 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30038 kellyb9 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:16:55 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30038 My God - do any of you people pay taxes? I guess we'll keep chugging along with this until you people get the smoking gun, right? What if there is no smoking gun? I certaintly don't think there is. If this is a true investigation, maybe they should open this up league wide and not just focus on the Patriots. See what dirt they find elsewhere, maybe that'll change all of your minds. Because I'm positive as brilliant as Belichick is, he didn't wake up one day and say - "I'm going to use a cameraman to steal signals". This means that this is a problem for Bill Parcels, Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel, Pete Carrol... well pretty much anyone from the Parcels coaching line. In the end, this might be better for the NFL (not the Patriots) that this doesn't happen. My God - do any of you people pay taxes? I guess we’ll keep chugging along with this until you people get the smoking gun, right? What if there is no smoking gun? I certaintly don’t think there is. If this is a true investigation, maybe they should open this up league wide and not just focus on the Patriots. See what dirt they find elsewhere, maybe that’ll change all of your minds. Because I’m positive as brilliant as Belichick is, he didn’t wake up one day and say - “I’m going to use a cameraman to steal signals”. This means that this is a problem for Bill Parcels, Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel, Pete Carrol… well pretty much anyone from the Parcels coaching line. In the end, this might be better for the NFL (not the Patriots) that this doesn’t happen.

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]]> By: Nitro http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30023 Nitro Thu, 15 May 2008 14:07:54 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30023 "Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it?" What Ive read a few times is to make certain the opponents waste time changing up /memorizing new signals for them. And they also processed the tapes just in case some dumbass coach didn't bother wasting the time. “Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it?”

What Ive read a few times is to make certain the opponents waste time changing up /memorizing new signals for them. And they also processed the tapes just in case some dumbass coach didn’t bother wasting the time.

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]]> By: kellyb9 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30021 kellyb9 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:06:51 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30021 For the record, Specters assertions are NOT the reason for this current round of Spygate. It was the Boston Herald. Senator Specter has done nothing more up until this point, but be a cheerleader for those who think another wrong has been committed. I can't believe there are seriously people on here that support the investigation of cheating in football. I don't think a single second of Senate time should be wasted on the league's rules. Clearly, those people who support this, don't pay taxes, don't know anyone in Iraq, and they don't own a vehicle. For the last time - The Patriots violated a LEAGUE RULE not a LAW. The Marshall Report investigated baseball players WHO BROKE THE LAW. For the record, Specters assertions are NOT the reason for this current round of Spygate. It was the Boston Herald. Senator Specter has done nothing more up until this point, but be a cheerleader for those who think another wrong has been committed. I can’t believe there are seriously people on here that support the investigation of cheating in football. I don’t think a single second of Senate time should be wasted on the league’s rules. Clearly, those people who support this, don’t pay taxes, don’t know anyone in Iraq, and they don’t own a vehicle. For the last time - The Patriots violated a LEAGUE RULE not a LAW. The Marshall Report investigated baseball players WHO BROKE THE LAW.

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]]> By: kellyb9 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30013 kellyb9 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:01:48 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-30013 @plaidranger - Public humiliation stops cheating?? Belichick should have been suspended because it would have made him publicly humiliated? Let me just say this, there have and probably will be worse scandals in the history of the NFL. Salary cap violations, tampering, playbook theft, etc. But I'm pretty sure the Patriots have been publically humiliated enough. And lets face it, if we had Belichick hung in the center of Indianapolis for putting cameras on the sidelines it wouldnt have been enough for any of you. Regardless, clearly Senator Specter has no idea what he's talking about. A database of signals would be rather pointless, since any coordinator worth his salt would change his signals per game. As we recall, this is the same guy that forceabily claimed that these Rams walkthrough tapes exist, now he's standing here with egg on his face and he has to imply that something was clearly fouled up. The NFL is a very efficient and well run organization. Those tapes were destroyed because they were leaked. I imagine there was more of the same in them, and if thats the case, Goodell really laid out the Patriots to dry. But I, for one, thank the Patriots for the nice footage of San Diego's finest! @plaidranger - Public humiliation stops cheating?? Belichick should have been suspended because it would have made him publicly humiliated? Let me just say this, there have and probably will be worse scandals in the history of the NFL. Salary cap violations, tampering, playbook theft, etc. But I’m pretty sure the Patriots have been publically humiliated enough. And lets face it, if we had Belichick hung in the center of Indianapolis for putting cameras on the sidelines it wouldnt have been enough for any of you. Regardless, clearly Senator Specter has no idea what he’s talking about. A database of signals would be rather pointless, since any coordinator worth his salt would change his signals per game. As we recall, this is the same guy that forceabily claimed that these Rams walkthrough tapes exist, now he’s standing here with egg on his face and he has to imply that something was clearly fouled up. The NFL is a very efficient and well run organization. Those tapes were destroyed because they were leaked. I imagine there was more of the same in them, and if thats the case, Goodell really laid out the Patriots to dry. But I, for one, thank the Patriots for the nice footage of San Diego’s finest!

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]]> By: FrankieSunshine http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29990 FrankieSunshine Thu, 15 May 2008 13:40:11 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29990 It's frustrating to see the media and Specter believe Walsh when it is convenient to their agenda and essentially act like he doesn't know what he's talking about when it's not convenient to believe him. It's sick how the "real media" turns just about every issue (good call making the parallel between sports and politics, people can be just as rigid in their opinions on both) into good versus evil with their side being perfectly good and the other completely evil. They choose their view of things and then make that fit into the evidence instead of the other way around. May we borrow a phrase from the tuna? Irresponsible journalism! It’s frustrating to see the media and Specter believe Walsh when it is convenient to their agenda and essentially act like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it’s not convenient to believe him. It’s sick how the “real media” turns just about every issue (good call making the parallel between sports and politics, people can be just as rigid in their opinions on both) into good versus evil with their side being perfectly good and the other completely evil. They choose their view of things and then make that fit into the evidence instead of the other way around. May we borrow a phrase from the tuna? Irresponsible journalism!

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]]> By: moonbeam http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29987 moonbeam Thu, 15 May 2008 13:34:04 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29987 no chris,leahy can smell a dead fish,when it's about this dead herring no chris,leahy can smell a dead fish,when it’s about this dead herring

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]]> By: ModelFranchise http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29984 ModelFranchise Thu, 15 May 2008 13:30:59 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29984 I think this needs to be dropped. The team and coach have already been punished for the crime. Mind all of you that the penalty was the heaviest ever levied in the NFL. What is really going to come out of this? Suspending BB isn't going to make a huge difference. The players will still go out and execute; and do you really think this won't put a chip on the shoulder of a team who has proven what it can do when it plays with one. I want to know one thing...were was Specter when an NBA REFEREE openly admitted to betting on/fixing playoff games? I forgot it wasn't a 'Sixers game so Specter doesn't mind. I think this needs to be dropped. The team and coach have already been punished for the crime. Mind all of you that the penalty was the heaviest ever levied in the NFL. What is really going to come out of this? Suspending BB isn’t going to make a huge difference. The players will still go out and execute; and do you really think this won’t put a chip on the shoulder of a team who has proven what it can do when it plays with one.

I want to know one thing…were was Specter when an NBA REFEREE openly admitted to betting on/fixing playoff games? I forgot it wasn’t a ‘Sixers game so Specter doesn’t mind.

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]]> By: All Pro http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29972 All Pro Thu, 15 May 2008 13:16:57 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29972 Pats fan: "They didn't use the stolen signs in the same game". Ok - maybe. Pats fan: "They didn't use the stolen signs in future games because everyone changes their signs from game to game" Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it? Don't let your love for the Pats or your man-crush on Brady blind you. If another team did this you would be outraged. Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in the same game”.

Ok - maybe.

Pats fan: “They didn’t use the stolen signs in future games because everyone changes their signs from game to game”

Hmmm. This begs the question: Why the hell did they steal the signs then? For the fun of it?

Don’t let your love for the Pats or your man-crush on Brady blind you. If another team did this you would be outraged.

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]]> By: Garbo-Mann http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29958 Garbo-Mann Thu, 15 May 2008 12:54:49 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29958 Gosh, golly and gee-whiz, men (and/or women?)! Did it ever occur to any of you that the Pantyrots had scouts at the games of opponents they would play in later weeks? I would bet that those scouts included someone who did taping of the defensive signals...yes, to include the Tampa Bay game! This is about the integrity of the game. We all know there's a certain amount of "cheating" that goes on. New England got caught and paid a price. It has tarnished the (clean cut?) image of Bill Beelicheeck and Tom (are you my daddy?) Brady already. Walsh is just using his five minutes of fame to his advantage. He knows which buttons to push to keep the fire stoked up. He currently has Specter (everytime I see that I think of Sphincter) in the barrel. Take everything you hear from Walsh with a grain of salt. He's already shown himself to be a liar and a thief and he's relishing all of the sensationalism of this situation (Thanks, Emmit & Tiki). Gosh, golly and gee-whiz, men (and/or women?)!

Did it ever occur to any of you that the Pantyrots had scouts at the games of opponents they would play in later weeks? I would bet that those scouts included someone who did taping of the defensive signals…yes, to include the Tampa Bay game!

This is about the integrity of the game. We all know there’s a certain amount of “cheating” that goes on. New England got caught and paid a price. It has tarnished the (clean cut?) image of Bill Beelicheeck and Tom (are you my daddy?) Brady already. Walsh is just using his five minutes of fame to his advantage. He knows which buttons to push to keep the fire stoked up. He currently has Specter (everytime I see that I think of Sphincter) in the barrel.

Take everything you hear from Walsh with a grain of salt. He’s already shown himself to be a liar and a thief and he’s relishing all of the sensationalism of this situation (Thanks, Emmit & Tiki).

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]]> By: Overlord Vader http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29957 Overlord Vader Thu, 15 May 2008 12:53:28 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29957 WHY does everyone forget in 1964 Assistant Counsel Arlen Spector led the cover up of the Kennedy assassination with the "single bullet" theory. He is so dirty, and so paid off, HOW DO THE PEOPLE OF PA keep electing this blowhard? WHY does everyone forget in 1964 Assistant Counsel Arlen Spector led the cover up of the Kennedy assassination with the “single bullet” theory. He is so dirty, and so paid off, HOW DO THE PEOPLE OF PA keep electing this blowhard?

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]]> By: monger http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29954 monger Thu, 15 May 2008 12:49:53 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29954 So Specter wiped his ass to produce another statement, like anybody cares what he does. So Specter wiped his ass to produce another statement, like anybody cares what he does.

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]]> By: Chris http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29941 Chris Thu, 15 May 2008 12:30:11 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29941 Two thoughts.... 1. If baseball breaks the law with performance enhancing drugs, affecting the competitive balance of the game, and can keep their anti-trust exception, why is the NFL's fair game? I'm not sure Specter has a leg to stand on here. 2. Obviously, Walsh isn't the only videographer that the Patriots have used. Walsh hadn't signed a confidentiality agreement, so logically, they probably haven't either. Why haven't any of them come forward to support or repudiate what is being said? One more note... Specter is the *joint* chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The other joint chair is Patrick Leahy, a senator from Vermont. The Patriots have a good sized fan base in Vermont, so might there also be a conflict of interest on Leahy's part? Two thoughts….
1. If baseball breaks the law with performance enhancing drugs, affecting the competitive balance of the game, and can keep their anti-trust exception, why is the NFL’s fair game? I’m not sure Specter has a leg to stand on here.

2. Obviously, Walsh isn’t the only videographer that the Patriots have used. Walsh hadn’t signed a confidentiality agreement, so logically, they probably haven’t either. Why haven’t any of them come forward to support or repudiate what is being said?

One more note… Specter is the *joint* chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The other joint chair is Patrick Leahy, a senator from Vermont. The Patriots have a good sized fan base in Vermont, so might there also be a conflict of interest on Leahy’s part?

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]]> By: bradysheroes http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29935 bradysheroes Thu, 15 May 2008 12:17:46 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29935 He should have some prune juice and sit down.... Let this thing die, its not like steroids, all though all teams do what the pats did hate to tell naive fans... Excpet Mike Martz, he was too dumb... He should have some prune juice and sit down…. Let this thing die, its not like steroids, all though all teams do what the pats did hate to tell naive fans… Excpet Mike Martz, he was too dumb…

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]]> By: TheBozforPres http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29933 TheBozforPres Thu, 15 May 2008 12:06:44 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29933 So gas is $4.00 a gallon, we are fighting terrorists around the world, and our school systems are a mess....yet we should extend a full senate investigation because somebody put a camera in the wrong place at a football game. Wow. So gas is $4.00 a gallon, we are fighting terrorists around the world, and our school systems are a mess….yet we should extend a full senate investigation because somebody put a camera in the wrong place at a football game. Wow.

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]]> By: MaineMan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29929 MaineMan Thu, 15 May 2008 11:54:20 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29929 Here's the thing about the Pats' success and three Superbowl victories supposedly being "tainted" by videotaping opposing the hand signals of opposing teams: 1. It's simply irrational to presume that the Pats <em>alone</em> taped opposing coaches' signals. 2. What the Pats were punished for was taping from a position where the tapes <em>could</em> have been used during the same game. Whether or not they actually did so is unproven and taping from elsewhere is apparently NOT illegal (and would be difficult to prevent). 3. Most critical, a team still <em>must be able to execute</em> in order to take advantage of any scouting information, videotaped or otherwise (as someone above pointed out, no tape helped Brown strip that INT from Florence). For instance, if the Lions had done the same thing (and they may well have, but we'll probably never know), would <em>they</em> have won three Superbowls instead? Here’s the thing about the Pats’ success and three Superbowl victories supposedly being “tainted” by videotaping opposing the hand signals of opposing teams:

1. It’s simply irrational to presume that the Pats alone taped opposing coaches’ signals.

2. What the Pats were punished for was taping from a position where the tapes could have been used during the same game. Whether or not they actually did so is unproven and taping from elsewhere is apparently NOT illegal (and would be difficult to prevent).

3. Most critical, a team still must be able to execute in order to take advantage of any scouting information, videotaped or otherwise (as someone above pointed out, no tape helped Brown strip that INT from Florence). For instance, if the Lions had done the same thing (and they may well have, but we’ll probably never know), would they have won three Superbowls instead?

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]]> By: Dan1919 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29926 Dan1919 Thu, 15 May 2008 11:41:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29926 Teams can use still frame photos during the game. Why cant they use tape? IMO, everything should be legal. Why not? Then everything is fair on both sides. This issue is now put to bed with the radio signals on Defense anyway. Teams can use still frame photos during the game. Why cant they use tape? IMO, everything should be legal. Why not? Then everything is fair on both sides.

This issue is now put to bed with the radio signals on Defense anyway.

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]]> By: MaineMan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29925 MaineMan Thu, 15 May 2008 11:32:30 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29925 Ripp said, "The Pats used video from the 1st game against the Dolphins in 2001 to help beat them in the 2nd game . . ." Umm, AFAIK, this is not illegal and not cheating. Ripp said, “The Pats used video from the 1st game against the Dolphins in 2001 to help beat them in the 2nd game . . .”

Umm, AFAIK, this is not illegal and not cheating.

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]]> By: ronry http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29923 ronry Thu, 15 May 2008 11:24:45 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29923 Arlen, SHUT UP!!!! It's over and we don't care anymore. Now do some real work. Arlen,

SHUT UP!!!! It’s over and we don’t care anymore. Now do some real work.

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]]> By: Bob S. http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29922 Bob S. Thu, 15 May 2008 11:19:01 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29922 Author: cwhitright "he's ignoring the real direct violation of it--the Directv monopoly on Sunday Ticket" --- So Specter's doing this now even though Comcast one of the cable companies that are NOT permitted by the NFL to carry Sunday Ticket for their subscribers to buy after "ignoring to help them in that issue" before? Parity in the NFL produces what we've seen over and over again since 2000. Over this time span, teams like Ravens, Rams,Eagles, Panthers, Titans, Raiders, Bucs, Giants, Bears have made it to Super Bowl and within no time drop to bottom of the league. One team defies the law of parity and year after year remains right at the top echelon of the league despite the high turnover of players in the NFL and that team just happens to have been the only one caught with taking this edge and for the last 7 years. And they never stopped doing it because it wasn't helping them? Givemeabreak! Author: cwhitright
“he’s ignoring the real direct violation of it–the Directv monopoly on Sunday Ticket”

—

So Specter’s doing this now even though Comcast one of the cable companies that are NOT permitted by the NFL to carry Sunday Ticket for their subscribers to buy after “ignoring to help them in that issue” before?

Parity in the NFL produces what we’ve seen over and over again since 2000. Over this time span, teams like Ravens, Rams,Eagles, Panthers, Titans, Raiders, Bucs, Giants, Bears have made it to Super Bowl and within no time drop to bottom of the league.

One team defies the law of parity and year after year remains right at the top echelon of the league despite the high turnover of players in the NFL and that team just happens to have been the only one caught with taking this edge and for the last 7 years. And they never stopped doing it because it wasn’t helping them? Givemeabreak!

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]]> By: TLyons4 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29921 TLyons4 Thu, 15 May 2008 11:00:31 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29921 "There’s just one problem with this story, but it’s a gaping one…the 2000 Pats-Bucs game (which took place on the 3rd btw, not the 11th) was Belichick’s first game as Pats head coach. So if a tape of the Bucs defensive signals already existed, where would it have come from exactly? Teams on which Belichick served as coach had only played the Bucs twice since 1990: the Jets (where he served as assistant under Parcells) in 1997, and the Browns (where he was head coach) in 1995. It’s beggars belief that a 3 or 5 year old tape would be of any value, given that teams change their signals every game and sometimes even within a game. Add to that the fact on the Jets Belichick was the defensive coordinator, so not the guy who would be interested in taping another teams offensive signals. That would be the OC. It doesn’t add up." I came here to say exactly this. Makes no sense whatsoever... “There’s just one problem with this story, but it’s a gaping one…the 2000 Pats-Bucs game (which took place on the 3rd btw, not the 11th) was Belichick’s first game as Pats head coach. So if a tape of the Bucs defensive signals already existed, where would it have come from exactly? Teams on which Belichick served as coach had only played the Bucs twice since 1990: the Jets (where he served as assistant under Parcells) in 1997, and the Browns (where he was head coach) in 1995. It’s beggars belief that a 3 or 5 year old tape would be of any value, given that teams change their signals every game and sometimes even within a game. Add to that the fact on the Jets Belichick was the defensive coordinator, so not the guy who would be interested in taping another teams offensive signals. That would be the OC.

It doesn’t add up.”

I came here to say exactly this. Makes no sense whatsoever…

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]]> By: bizurk http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29920 bizurk Thu, 15 May 2008 10:58:23 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29920 Dear Arlen, You're embarrassing yourself. Philly wants you to protect our cops, our civilians, and our soldiers. Football is nothing compared to these concerns. Thanks, Bizurk Dear Arlen,
You’re embarrassing yourself. Philly wants you to protect our cops, our civilians, and our soldiers. Football is nothing compared to these concerns.
Thanks,
Bizurk

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]]> By: Casanova http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29914 Casanova Thu, 15 May 2008 09:31:20 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29914 "Goodell says the issue is closed but why do I and several other NFL fans I have spoken with still have so many questions." Because you are a retarded conspiracy theorist who refuses to believe facts that were put right in your face on national TV. You allowed yourself to be mislead by ESPN, The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and every other media outlet who takes its cheap shots at Belichick because he isn't cooperative or media friendly. Spector should be investigating the media outlets for their hack reporting and sensationalizing a story that really was never a big issue to begin with. “Goodell says the issue is closed but why do I and several other NFL fans I have spoken with still have so many questions.”

Because you are a retarded conspiracy theorist who refuses to believe facts that were put right in your face on national TV. You allowed yourself to be mislead by ESPN, The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and every other media outlet who takes its cheap shots at Belichick because he isn’t cooperative or media friendly.

Spector should be investigating the media outlets for their hack reporting and sensationalizing a story that really was never a big issue to begin with.

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]]> By: Casanova http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29913 Casanova Thu, 15 May 2008 09:26:18 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29913 .... and one last thing. It is not a violation of NFL rules to have notes. Again, it's called advanced scouting. …. and one last thing. It is not a violation of NFL rules to have notes. Again, it’s called advanced scouting.

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]]> By: Casanova http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29912 Casanova Thu, 15 May 2008 09:25:06 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29912 "So as a fan, when I hear all this stuff about Spygate, how can I not wonder if the outcome would of been different that day. How can I not wonder if they cheated against us, when everything was on the line. If they did cheat, that probably did decide the game. It was that close. Who knows, maybe the Chargers would have gone on to win their first super bowl. If it helped them a little, it really is a big deal and that’s what patriot sympathizers don’t see enough. They see it as this small little thing that didn’t make much a difference. I don’t know what it’s like for them to hear so much bad press about their team, so I guess it works both ways. No one really wins in this." Or maybe, just maybe, Drayton Florence "Henderson" hangs on to the interception instead of letting Troy Brown strip him and regain possession. I love the excuses people come up with to justify why their teams lost. This guy is an example of a whiney Charger fan. Videotapes didn't help Troy Brown strip the ball loose and it certainly didn't have any effect on Drayton Florence running around with the INT when what he should have done is gone down. The game would've been over and the Chargers would've won. The other fan base I love listening to whine is Shitsburgh. I highly doubt the videotaping had anything to do with Kordell Stewart sucking in the 02 AFC Championship. Or the fact that the Patriots managed to win the game w/ a blocked field goal and a punt return for a TD. Or the fact that DREW FRIGGIN BLEDSOE came in after Brady was injured! My final word on the taping practices: It's just another form of advance scouting. Why study teams at all! Why study tendencies! Why study anything! Give me a break folks, get real. “So as a fan, when I hear all this stuff about Spygate, how can I not wonder if the outcome would of been different that day. How can I not wonder if they cheated against us, when everything was on the line. If they did cheat, that probably did decide the game. It was that close. Who knows, maybe the Chargers would have gone on to win their first super bowl. If it helped them a little, it really is a big deal and that’s what patriot sympathizers don’t see enough. They see it as this small little thing that didn’t make much a difference. I don’t know what it’s like for them to hear so much bad press about their team, so I guess it works both ways. No one really wins in this.”

Or maybe, just maybe, Drayton Florence “Henderson” hangs on to the interception instead of letting Troy Brown strip him and regain possession.

I love the excuses people come up with to justify why their teams lost. This guy is an example of a whiney Charger fan. Videotapes didn’t help Troy Brown strip the ball loose and it certainly didn’t have any effect on Drayton Florence running around with the INT when what he should have done is gone down. The game would’ve been over and the Chargers would’ve won.

The other fan base I love listening to whine is Shitsburgh. I highly doubt the videotaping had anything to do with Kordell Stewart sucking in the 02 AFC Championship. Or the fact that the Patriots managed to win the game w/ a blocked field goal and a punt return for a TD. Or the fact that DREW FRIGGIN BLEDSOE came in after Brady was injured!

My final word on the taping practices: It’s just another form of advance scouting. Why study teams at all! Why study tendencies! Why study anything!

Give me a break folks, get real.

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]]> By: PhillyRocks http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29911 PhillyRocks Thu, 15 May 2008 09:20:06 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29911 Man all the idiots, well 11 of you, come running to PFT like its respected or something. Not one of you understand anything that spector does in his job. Not a one of you. If you can't understand where there is smoke, there is trouble. Why grounds does Spectors role with comcast has anything to do with this? You don't have any really. I can't wait till all of you will be running with the tails between your legs. Get over it. They cheated and you are defending cheaters. Man all the idiots, well 11 of you, come running to PFT like its respected or something. Not one of you understand anything that spector does in his job. Not a one of you. If you can’t understand where there is smoke, there is trouble. Why grounds does Spectors role with comcast has anything to do with this? You don’t have any really. I can’t wait till all of you will be running with the tails between your legs.

Get over it. They cheated and you are defending cheaters.

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]]> By: scottcra1996 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29907 scottcra1996 Thu, 15 May 2008 06:53:13 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29907 The NFL makes over 21 Billion dollars a year in TV rights alone from CBS, FOX, NBC AND ESPN. That in it self makes the NFL a large enough corporation to be open to congressional investigation much like Enron, not to mention the NFL's antitrust exemption. Therefore I would say that Specter is doing his job to that regard. Goodell says the issue is closed but why do I and several other NFL fans I have spoken with still have so many questions. I read in a post earlier that Walsh told Specter about how the signals were sent to a player and then relayed to Brady etc. but (per the post) he only told specter that b/c he wanted more attention and he didn't tell Goodell this info. Ummmmm don't you think the NFL would have issued a statement saying as much about 30 seconds after that info came out from Specter? Also check out this quote from Goodell that I took from ESPN.com: Jan. 31, 2008: In a letter to Specter, Goodell responds that the tapes and notes were destroyed to ensure that the Patriots "would not secure any possible competitive advantage as a result of the misconduct that had been identified. The Patriots have separately certified to me in writing that we received all tapes, all notes, and that no other material exists relating to the taping of defensive signals.'' Really? Did the Pats just forget that they taped the games that Walsh had videos of and before you say "that is possible" please remember that they had NOTES from all the games they taped. So if they had notes they also knew that other tapes existed that were missing, no? This whole thing has NFL cover up written all over it. The NFL makes over 21 Billion dollars a year in TV rights alone from CBS, FOX, NBC AND ESPN. That in it self makes the NFL a large enough corporation to be open to congressional investigation much like Enron, not to mention the NFL’s antitrust exemption. Therefore I would say that Specter is doing his job to that regard. Goodell says the issue is closed but why do I and several other NFL fans I have spoken with still have so many questions. I read in a post earlier that Walsh told Specter about how the signals were sent to a player and then relayed to Brady etc. but (per the post) he only told specter that b/c he wanted more attention and he didn’t tell Goodell this info. Ummmmm don’t you think the NFL would have issued a statement saying as much about 30 seconds after that info came out from Specter? Also check out this quote from Goodell that I took from ESPN.com:

Jan. 31, 2008: In a letter to Specter, Goodell responds that the tapes and notes were destroyed to ensure that the Patriots “would not secure any possible competitive advantage as a result of the misconduct that had been identified. The Patriots have separately certified to me in writing that we received all tapes, all notes, and that no other material exists relating to the taping of defensive signals.”

Really? Did the Pats just forget that they taped the games that Walsh had videos of and before you say “that is possible” please remember that they had NOTES from all the games they taped. So if they had notes they also knew that other tapes existed that were missing, no? This whole thing has NFL cover up written all over it.

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]]> By: Henry Plainview http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29906 Henry Plainview Thu, 15 May 2008 06:50:34 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29906 wow, i guess the Pats wouldn't be able to tell Marshall Faulk was lining up to return kicks without Walsh, LOL. Vermeil said even if they taped the walkthrough, they would have gained nothing from it because they just go through the motions....which explains why they didn't care Walsh was walking around. i love Specter pushing this because it's going to show other teams do it and Specter doesn't want that. wow, i guess the Pats wouldn’t be able to tell Marshall Faulk was lining up to return kicks without Walsh, LOL.

Vermeil said even if they taped the walkthrough, they would have gained nothing from it because they just go through the motions….which explains why they didn’t care Walsh was walking around.

i love Specter pushing this because it’s going to show other teams do it and Specter doesn’t want that.

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]]> By: cliffclav http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29905 cliffclav Thu, 15 May 2008 06:43:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29905 I wonder how much money sphencter had on the game. It has been widely believed for decades that opposing teams have tried to send scouts ahead to open practices and attempt to steal signals. Infact that is when teams started to have non media portions of practice. Or Private drills. Almost every team has a plan in place to counter espionage. everything from private run throughs, To Covering there mouths.. That was brought about by one team hireing lip readers. heck Ive even seen security personel sitting in the bleachers in plain clothes watching the crowd for video taping. I honestly believe that most teams Had done some sort of monitoring of their opponents in an effort to gain an advantage. Why? Because no one got in trouble for doing it. I think that most teams are going to reassess this practice. Because lots of people are watching much closer now. But really PTF.. Please can you slow down your posting on this stupid worn out subject. Not that its not news. Its just Worthy of posting every other post about. I would much rather hear updates on Marvin Harrison's Innocence (t#hs fo lluf s'eh eveileb I seY). Or perhaps a good ole PTF preseason ranking of team's One that will utterly turn out wrong.. But would be fun to specutlate anyways. I wonder how much money sphencter had on the game. It has been widely believed for decades that opposing teams have tried to send scouts ahead to open practices and attempt to steal signals. Infact that is when teams started to have non media portions of practice. Or Private drills. Almost every team has a plan in place to counter espionage. everything from private run throughs, To Covering there mouths.. That was brought about by one team hireing lip readers. heck Ive even seen security personel sitting in the bleachers in plain clothes watching the crowd for video taping. I honestly believe that most teams Had done some sort of monitoring of their opponents in an effort to gain an advantage. Why? Because no one got in trouble for doing it. I think that most teams are going to reassess this practice. Because lots of people are watching much closer now. But really PTF.. Please can you slow down your posting on this stupid worn out subject. Not that its not news. Its just Worthy of posting every other post about. I would much rather hear updates on Marvin Harrison’s Innocence (t#hs fo lluf s’eh eveileb I seY). Or perhaps a good ole PTF preseason ranking of team’s One that will utterly turn out wrong.. But would be fun to specutlate anyways.

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]]> By: zwilson http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29902 zwilson Thu, 15 May 2008 06:06:42 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29902 Like Specter or hate him, he is right about the conflict of interest. Who would honestly argue otherwise? If the cheating was limited, the business he oversees is protected and continues to pay him a huge salary. If the cheating was extensive, we all know what that would mean. No one is objective. No one. Everyone is seeking their own interests first, no matter what they may say. It's human nature. The thing that really bothers me is the destruction of the evidence. That course of action suggests a possible cover up. By destroying the evidence, Goodell ruined any opportunity to truly end spy gate. Like Specter or hate him, he is right about the conflict of interest. Who would honestly argue otherwise? If the cheating was limited, the business he oversees is protected and continues to pay him a huge salary. If the cheating was extensive, we all know what that would mean.

No one is objective. No one. Everyone is seeking their own interests first, no matter what they may say. It’s human nature.

The thing that really bothers me is the destruction of the evidence. That course of action suggests a possible cover up. By destroying the evidence, Goodell ruined any opportunity to truly end spy gate.

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]]> By: NFLed http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29899 NFLed Thu, 15 May 2008 05:27:36 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29899 The whole thing stinks, as soon as I heard that the tapes were burned I was aghast and immediately thought about Richard Nixon and his tapes. It was either amazingly stupid to burn the tapes or else a big cover-up and I'm not willing to give the Commish the benefit of doubt plus there's more than just doubt it stinks of a conspiracy. That said, I don't know that it's the government's place in this situation. With Specter's glaring conflict of interest in my view he should have plenty of backup from his congress colleagues before I'd be in favor of spending tax payer money on this sort of investigation. The whole thing stinks, as soon as I heard that the tapes were burned I was aghast and immediately thought about Richard Nixon and his tapes. It was either amazingly stupid to burn the tapes or else a big cover-up and I’m not willing to give the Commish the benefit of doubt plus there’s more than just doubt it stinks of a conspiracy.

That said, I don’t know that it’s the government’s place in this situation. With Specter’s glaring conflict of interest in my view he should have plenty of backup from his congress colleagues before I’d be in favor of spending tax payer money on this sort of investigation.

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]]> By: DanFoutsBeard http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29898 DanFoutsBeard Thu, 15 May 2008 05:24:29 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29898 What we learned from all this is that the Patriots knew what they were doing was cheating, and still did it. It's also pretty easy to conclude it helped them over a stretch where they won 3 super bowls. Saying they would of won anyway or that everyone cheats doesn't really satisfy non-Patriot fans. That is why the majority of NFL fans think they got off easy and don't trust the NFL right now. I spent a lot of money to go to the Chargers Patriots AFC divisional game in 2006, and the Patriots ripped my heart out that day. The worst I have ever felt walking out of that stadium. Great game that came down to a last second field goal. It took a while to admit it to myself, but I had a lot of respect for the Pats for pulling it out and coming from behind. I still can't believe they won. I'm sure it was amazing for a Pats fan to watch, but it crushed an entire city starving for a championship. It cost a good coach his job and last chance at winning a title. So as a fan, when I hear all this stuff about Spygate, how can I not wonder if the outcome would of been different that day. How can I not wonder if they cheated against us, when everything was on the line. If they did cheat, that probably did decide the game. It was that close. Who knows, maybe the Chargers would have gone on to win their first super bowl. If it helped them a little, it really is a big deal and that's what patriot sympathizers don't see enough. They see it as this small little thing that didn't make much a difference. I don't know what it's like for them to hear so much bad press about their team, so I guess it works both ways. No one really wins in this. If there really is more to this and other teams can get exposed too, then Specter might be doing something good for the game. What we learned from all this is that the Patriots knew what they were doing was cheating, and still did it. It’s also pretty easy to conclude it helped them over a stretch where they won 3 super bowls. Saying they would of won anyway or that everyone cheats doesn’t really satisfy non-Patriot fans. That is why the majority of NFL fans think they got off easy and don’t trust the NFL right now.

I spent a lot of money to go to the Chargers Patriots AFC divisional game in 2006, and the Patriots ripped my heart out that day. The worst I have ever felt walking out of that stadium. Great game that came down to a last second field goal. It took a while to admit it to myself, but I had a lot of respect for the Pats for pulling it out and coming from behind. I still can’t believe they won. I’m sure it was amazing for a Pats fan to watch, but it crushed an entire city starving for a championship. It cost a good coach his job and last chance at winning a title.

So as a fan, when I hear all this stuff about Spygate, how can I not wonder if the outcome would of been different that day. How can I not wonder if they cheated against us, when everything was on the line. If they did cheat, that probably did decide the game. It was that close. Who knows, maybe the Chargers would have gone on to win their first super bowl. If it helped them a little, it really is a big deal and that’s what patriot sympathizers don’t see enough. They see it as this small little thing that didn’t make much a difference. I don’t know what it’s like for them to hear so much bad press about their team, so I guess it works both ways. No one really wins in this.

If there really is more to this and other teams can get exposed too, then Specter might be doing something good for the game.

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]]> By: namelesscoward http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29896 namelesscoward Thu, 15 May 2008 05:12:43 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/14/highlights-of-specter-statement/#comment-29896 Two questions to ask now: 1. It looks like the former offensive player knows the role of Matt Walsh. How many other players know about this role? Did any of the coaches/higher-ups indicate how they obtained this tape to the player? 2. If Walsh was given a generic credential in the AFC championship game, does the credential limit his access to certain areas on the field? If yes, then how did he overcome the limits? Two questions to ask now:

1. It looks like the former offensive player knows the role of Matt Walsh. How many other players know about this role? Did any of the coaches/higher-ups indicate how they obtained this tape to the player?

2. If Walsh was given a generic credential in the AFC championship game, does the credential limit his access to certain areas on the field? If yes, then how did he overcome the limits?

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