After getting caught redhanded cheating, the NFL handed down a fine totalling $750,000 and a loss of its draft picks next year. No suspensions. No bans. Roger Goodell, the spineless commissioner, comments on why he didn’t suspend the best coach in the league…

“I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick,” Goodell wrote in a letter to the team. “I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension.”

Why did it have to be either or, Roger? Why not do all that and suspend his ass for a few games?

Both the NFL and Belichick stressed that the camera was seized before the end of the first quarter and had no impact on the game, which the Patriots won 38-14.

Oh good. So cheating is okay as long as it doesn’t do too much damage? That’s a great message to send, Roger.

In a statement issued two hours after the punishment was announced, Belichick said he misinterpreted the league’s rules but acknowledged that “part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them.”

“I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight’s ruling,” the statement said. “Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career.”

Apparently, Belichick’s ability to read is suspect. Here’s the rule:

NFL rules state, in part: “no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game.” That was re-emphasized in a memo sent Sept. 6 to NFL head coaches and general managers in which the league said: “Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent’s offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches’ booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game.”

Okay… So the obvious question, coach, is what part of that rule did you misinterpret that said you were allowed to tape the signals from the defense? Was it the specific part about no video recording devices on the field? Or was it the followup memo that says you can’t use it to tape signals?

I’m confused. What about that rule is so vague to allow an interpretation of “I can do this?”

Either Belichick is an illiterate schmuck or a complete and total liar. I’ll leave it up to you, my readers, to determine which, but considering for years and years the league has drilled into our heads how brilliant the man is, I find it hard to believe he “misinterpreted” anything.

You cheated.

You got caught.

Game over.

What amazes me is that both Pacman Jones and Michael Vick were suspended for something that happened off the field. Belichick’s staff blatantly cheats and gets caught and no one is suspended. That oppression complex having idiot Bob Kraft, who dismissed the controversy as people trying to drag down his team, should stand up and suspend either Estrella or Belichick or both.

That would be appropriate.

That would show you’re serious about running a clean team and organization.

And that will never happen.

What a disgrace.

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