^^^ I'm thinking one of two things happen; 1. The NFL decides theres not enough proof and lets them off with a hand slap. 2. The NFL decides that there is enough proof and hammers them hard. ...the question here is not whether or not the Pats needed to cheat to win, it's whether or not they cheated period.
Isn't there specific compensation for winning these games? Altering the course of events technically is fraud.
...well, it's a matter of perception, IMO...as to whether how long they may have been doing it and how much it actually benefits them...besides, I don't think the NFL wants this to drag on any longer than necessary for PR reasons...just a guess.
^^^what tote and I are talking about is not whether or not they're guilty...it's about how far the penalties can go and how far Goodell is willing to go if the league decides to sanction them.
Commish does have some catchall punishments, but I agree not sure if Goddell wants to open that can of whoopass. Worst case I could see....either suspension of Brady and/or Bellicheck for the stupid bowl. They'd have to have some serious blowback to go there. More likely to see suspensions next year, fines, loss of draft picks. Similar to the Payton scandal in NO....just my guess.
Wasn't Peyton suspended for the year? And if Goodell goes that route does it fall on Brady, BelliDICK or both? The fines are a given. And perhaps draft picks.
As far as Belichick either BSing or not really knowing, ignorance is no excuse (see Payton). Coach is accountable for it happening under his watch, and considering how detail oriented they say this guy is, I have a hard time believing he didn't know this was being done.