Patriots and Belichick Fined, Docked Draft Pick

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by sandtrapjack

For one, Belichick is NOT paying that 500,000. Everyone knows that Robert Kraft is writing that check. The guy gave his owner 3 Super Bowls in 4 years, and the owner will take care of his coach, trust me. And, yeah he will make that coinage up in ticket sales. Or he'll have them charge an extra 1.00 to 1.50 per beer at the stadium and he will make that up in no time.

Did anyone else notice that the Patriots have TWO first round picks in next years draft. The one they forfeited will probaby be a low round pick, but they also acquired the 49ers first rounder in 2008, which will probably be a bit higher. So they will still have a first round pick next April.

The Patriots and Belichick got away with this, with barely a light wrist slap. Goodell has not upheld his statement that coaches are held to a higher standard.

Are the Patriots allowed to choose which draft pick they forfeit?