The possible punishment for sign stealing?

In a story that is probably not as uncommon as it sounds, the NFL is evaluating the charge of the New England Patriots using a video camera to steal defensive signs from the New York Jets in last Sunday’s game, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports. Roger Goodell is waiting on the Patriots defense on this matter before deciding on what punishment is going to be dealt.

Basically, the Patriots had someone on its staff in charge of a video camera. His sole purpose was to record the Jets’ defensive coach’s signs, that way they could possibly be studied during halftime or otherwise. Certain signals mean certain things, and knowing a piece of information like where the blitz is coming from is a huge competitive advantage.

This story is amazing to me. First of all, the league is expecting its players to conduct themselves with dignity and respect, but right under its nose this blatant act of cheating is going on. Of all organizations, the New England Patriots!

So what punishment is Goodell expected to deal? Rumors are that the Patriots will be docked a draft pick and possibly multiple picks. What does an anti-New England sports anything person like myself want to see? Make them forfeit the game. If the league wants to stop these actions right now and never have it be a question again, Mr. Goodell should award the game to the New York Jets. If this happens, then all of the sudden the Patriots are 0-1 rather than 1-0, and the loss is a divisional loss. Instead of being way ahead of the eight ball as it seemed the Patriots are, they are starting from behind.

When you think about it in this light, it really tarnishes that high power offense, doesn’t it? If this has been going on for a long time (which this is not the first time the Patriots have been accused of this act, just the first time they have been caught) it’s no wonder that Tom Brady could pass for near 4,000 yards to the likes of Reche Caldwell!

Or better yet, ban Bill Belichick. Forever. That would really show these cheaters!