NFL fines Patriots and coach $750,000 total for videotaping signals; draft picks to be forfeited

9/13/2007
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK New England coach Bill Belichick was fined the NFL maximum of $500,000 Thursday, and the Patriots were ordered to pay $250,000 for videotaping an opponent s offensive and defensive signals.

Commissioner Roger Goodell also ordered the team to give up next year s first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs and second- and third-round picks if it doesn t.

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 said in a letter to the Patriots.

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