NFL investigating possible Broncos filming violation: In an echo of the New England Patriots' "Spygate" scandal, the NFL is investigating whether a Broncos employee videotaped a San Francisco 49ers walk-through at London's Wembley Stadium four weeks ago. Steve Scarnecchia, the team's director of video operations, is on a "personal leave of absence" while team and league officials investigate. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels could not reached for comment. McDaniels and Scarnecchia both previously worked for the Patriots, Scarnecchia between 2001 and 2005 and McDaniels between 2001 and 2009. In 2007, the Patriots were found to have videotaped New York Jets coaches sending in signals during a game between the two teams, which is against league rules. Following an investigation, commissioner Roger Goodell stripped the Patriots of their 1st round pick in the 2008 draft. He also fined the Patriots $250,000 and fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000.
posted by tommytrump to football at 11:25 AM - 5 comments
Didn't seem to especially help the Broncos much.
posted by Joey Michaels at 04:51 PM on November 27, 2010
I don't think the NFL has considered the Niners a real time for a few years now, which reflects the minor fines.
posted by irunfromclones at 06:29 PM on November 27, 2010
I believe the reasoning was since McDaniels didn't watch the tape it is a less serious violation.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:29 PM on November 27, 2010
I think watching tape of either of these teams this season should be considered a violation.
Also, if you are going to cheat, at least win while doing it.
posted by Bonkers at 10:22 PM on November 27, 2010
Guess the price of the violation has dropped: even though the taping was apparently "worse", McDaniels was only fined $50k.
posted by yerfatma at 02:19 PM on November 27, 2010