ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: RZR Top stories
Red-Zone Report concludes our Birthday Countdown series on– quite appropriately–our one-year anniversary with the five top stories within the last year. Enjoy, and thanks for visiting!
No. 5 - Belichick docked $500,000, posted Sept. 13, 2007
ESPN has reported that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the league for his involvement in videotaping oppenents’ signals.
The Patriots organization was fined an additional $250,000 and will be forced to give up its 2008 first-round draft choice if the team reaches the playoffs in 2007. If the team falls short of the playoffs, it will still be required to give up its second- and third-round picks, ESPN reports.
“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Goodell was quoted in a letter retrieved from ESPN.
The league policy states “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” and that all video shooting locations “must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead.”
So, honestly, we don’t know how Wild Bill misinterpreted the policy. After all, he said Wednesday that he talked to commissioner Goodell about his “interpretation of the rules.” There’s not much to interpret in the phrase “no video recording devices of any kind.”
That is, unless you’ve already videotaped through three Super Bowl victories and figure you’re not going to get caught.
Update: Belichick, as promised, commented further after the league ruling in a statement on the team’s website.
“I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight’s ruling. Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career. “
“As the Commissioner acknowledged, our use of sideline video had no impact on the outcome of last week’s game. We have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.”
“Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the Constitution and Bylaws was incorrect.”
“With tonight’s resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday’s game.”
Update 2: ESPN.com has reported that commissioner Goodell has ordered the Patriots to turn over all videotape materials that resulted in their league punishment. Per ESPN, if Goodell finds that the team has violated additional rules, stricter punishment could be enforced.
No. 4 – Michael Vick indicted, posted July 17, 2007
ESPN’s Len Pasquerelli has reported that Falcon’s QB Michael Vick is indicted in the Surry County case surrounding a dog-fighting ring.
The Atlanta Falcons released a statement Tuesday evening regarding Vick’s indictment.
“This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months,” the statement said. “With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion.
“We are disappointed that one of our players – and therefore the Falcons – is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that.
“Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches.”
As it stands now, it seems no action will be taken regarding a league suspension until a verdict is reached.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in this case, and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities,” the league statement said. “The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick’s guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts. The matter will be reviewed under the League’s Personal Conduct Policy.”
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports has said that Vick is expected to be suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell once the news broke Tuesday.
Goodell, however, was not reached for comment.
And, yes, that is a Michael Vick “tag” you see below this text. We’ve decided to give Vick his own category, or “Dog-egory” if you will. Also below this text, you will find the actual indictment for your reading pleasure.
vick20070717-2.pdf
No. 3 - NFL confiscates Patriots video, posted Sept. 10, 2007
The NFL has confiscated a video camera and a video tape from the New England Patriots based on speculation that the team was spying on the New York Jets during Sunday’s game, ESPN has reported.
Per ESPN, the camera and tape were sealed and forwarded to the league office.
“We don’t have any comment,” an NFL spokesman was quoted on ESPN.com.
Update: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell determined the Patriots violated league rules when they videotaped Jets signals, reports ESPN.com.
Goodell is considering severe punishment, per ESPN, including the possibility of taking away draft picks. The Patriots, in return, get a chance to tell their side Friday.
Update2: NFL.com has reported that Patriots coach Bill Belichick spoke with Goodell and apologized for the videotape controversy.
“Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players,” Belichick said in a statement retreived from NFL.com. “Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment.”
No. 2 – Vick: “I take full responsibility for my actions,“ posted Aug. 27, 2007
Michael Vick publicly spoke in front of the media today at 11:35 a.m. at the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, VA.
In his statement Vick fully admitted his involvement and asked for forgiveness. He apologized to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Arthur Blank, his teammates and fans of the league. Vick did not read a statement, but seemingly spoke from his heart.
“For most of my life I’ve been a football player not a public speaker, so I really don’t know how to say what I really want to say. I understand it’s not important what you say but how you say things, so I take this opportunity to speak from the heart.
“First I want to apologize for all the things I’ve done and I have allowed to happen. I want to personally apologize to commissioner Goodell, Arthur Blank…and all of my teammates. In the previous discussions we had I was not honest and forthright in our discussions. I was disappointed in myself to say the least.
“I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts. What I did was very immature. So that means I need to grow up. I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to a better Michael Vick the person, not the football player.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. Not for one second will I sit here and try to blame anyone else for my actions and what I have done.
“I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions. Those things just can’t happen. Dog fighting is a terrible thing…
“Through this situation I found Jesus and asked Him for forgiveness. I turned my life over to God. I think that’s the best thing to do right now.
“I never pointed the finger at anybody else. I accept the responsibility for my actions and for what I did. And now I have to pay the consequences for it.
“I offer my deepest apologies to anybody in the world who was affected by this whole situation.
“I hope that every young kid out there…will use me as an example to use better judgment and make better decisions. Once again I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. I will redeem myself. I have to.”
No. 1 – Giants erase Patriots perfect year, posted Feb. 4, 2008
New York Giants QB Eli Manning hoists the Lombardi Trophy after his team’s upset win over the New England Patriots
