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JoeRedskin · 01-21-2015, 01:15 PM

Sorry the "Everybody does it" defense does not fly with me either as a substantive defense to the violation or as a basis for substantial mitigation of the sanction. Maybe as mitigation on the first confirmed violation of cheating, but not the second. Everybody speeds, but, if I get nailed for multiple speeding tickets, I lose my license even if each infraction is small or causes no imminent injury/danger to others.

In light of the issue being more widespread (i.e. everyone DOES play fast and loose with this particular issue), I can see SOME minor mitigation to the sanction and will back off the forfeit. Other than that, yes, everyone tries to bend the rules to their advantage and we know we only catch one in ten (if that). Because of that, and to protect the integrity of the game - which would otherwise die the death of a 1,000 cuts, violations relating to competitive balance will be dealt with severely when teams are actually caught. Additionally, cheating on the competitive balance has at its core a deception - either on the refs, the other team or the fans. Because so much of our society is reliant on the need for honest dealings, violations involving dishonesty and deceptive dealings should always receive a higher penalty than merely accidental errors.

The penalty this time around should be a multiple of the prior cheating sanction (at least double but, IMHO, treble or quadruple) as it involves almost the exact same management team. Clearly, to the Pats, dishonesty is an acceptable method for gaining a competitive advantage - I strongly disagree. Until dissuaded of this belief, however, the current Patriot staff will continue to ignore the rules wherever possible relying on any penalty imposed when caught never being strong enough to significantly impact their ability to win.

Regardless of the penalty imposed this time, if Belichick gets caught again, he gets banned Pete Rose style. Let him know that as part of any sanction imposed this time around and hold him personally responsible for ensuring the honesty and integrity of his staff and players (No Henry II proclamations of "If only someone would rid me of this meddlesome priest" right before his knights ride off to kill the archbishop).

Belichick is a great coach. The Pats are a great team. They don't need to cheat. They did. Twice blatantly enough to be caught. Belichick's legacy is now in his own hands

01-21-2015, 01:15 PM	#249
JoeRedskin Contains football related knowledge Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Second Star On The Right Age: 63 Posts: 10,401	Re: Conference Championship thread Sorry the "Everybody does it" defense does not fly with me either as a substantive defense to the violation or as a basis for substantial mitigation of the sanction. Maybe as mitigation on the first confirmed violation of cheating, but not the second. Everybody speeds, but, if I get nailed for multiple speeding tickets, I lose my license even if each infraction is small or causes no imminent injury/danger to others. In light of the issue being more widespread (i.e. everyone DOES play fast and loose with this particular issue), I can see SOME minor mitigation to the sanction and will back off the forfeit. Other than that, yes, everyone tries to bend the rules to their advantage and we know we only catch one in ten (if that). Because of that, and to protect the integrity of the game - which would otherwise die the death of a 1,000 cuts, violations relating to competitive balance will be dealt with severely when teams are actually caught. Additionally, cheating on the competitive balance has at its core a deception - either on the refs, the other team or the fans. Because so much of our society is reliant on the need for honest dealings, violations involving dishonesty and deceptive dealings should always receive a higher penalty than merely accidental errors. The penalty this time around should be a multiple of the prior cheating sanction (at least double but, IMHO, treble or quadruple) as it involves almost the exact same management team. Clearly, to the Pats, dishonesty is an acceptable method for gaining a competitive advantage - I strongly disagree. Until dissuaded of this belief, however, the current Patriot staff will continue to ignore the rules wherever possible relying on any penalty imposed when caught never being strong enough to significantly impact their ability to win. Regardless of the penalty imposed this time, if Belichick gets caught again, he gets banned Pete Rose style. Let him know that as part of any sanction imposed this time around and hold him personally responsible for ensuring the honesty and integrity of his staff and players (No Henry II proclamations of "If only someone would rid me of this meddlesome priest" right before his knights ride off to kill the archbishop). Belichick is a great coach. The Pats are a great team. They don't need to cheat. They did. Twice blatantly enough to be caught. Belichick's legacy is now in his own hands __________________ Strap it up, hold onto the ball, and let’s go.