December 12, 2007

Report: Jets caught spying: Apparently, the New England Patriots aren't the only team that uses cameras.

posted by tommytrump to football at 12:29 PM - 41 comments

Only difference, The Jets asked and got permission.

posted by Debo270 at 01:01 PM on December 12, 2007

This has to be a joke, right? Is this a credible (i.e. not related to the onion) source?

posted by brainofdtrain at 01:01 PM on December 12, 2007

They got permission, so why did a jets worker have to leave the stadium? Doesn't make sense to me.

posted by brainofdtrain at 01:16 PM on December 12, 2007

So the J-E-T-S are cheaters, huh? Do we put an astrik next to their record, then?

posted by kcfan4life at 01:32 PM on December 12, 2007

I'd actually be surprised if every team in the NFL doesn't make some sort of attempt film the opposing teams sideline. There's probably some that have thought things through enough to be able to mask it, and therefore get away with it. It will always be a bigger issue, though, when a particular team that has enjoyed a great deal of success is the one caught.

posted by dyams at 01:35 PM on December 12, 2007

Do we put an astrik next to their record, then? The NY Post has an * next to the Pats record that says caught cheating and its been there since the first week of the season. I don't understand how the Jets were caught doing something they asked permission to do. Doesn't getting caught imply you were doing something that wasn't allowed?

posted by HATER 187 at 01:50 PM on December 12, 2007

Just wanted to add that after reading the article, it says that this happened last season, not this year.

posted by BornIcon at 02:03 PM on December 12, 2007

There's some more detail at Mike Reiss' blog.

posted by yerfatma at 02:07 PM on December 12, 2007

Come on. They weren't given permission to videotape the Patriots - they were given permission to angle their camera at the end zone for better shots of goals. They used this so-called "permission" to spy on the Patriots. Why in the world would the Patriots, or any team for that matter, give another team permission to videotape them on the sidelines?

posted by elektra805 at 02:24 PM on December 12, 2007

And the Jets have totally taken advantage of this edge too, haven't they. The NFL should sentence them to go 3-10 and be forced to play the Patriots in Foxboro this weekend. Time served. Next case.

posted by chicobangs at 02:38 PM on December 12, 2007

Surely this is a case of the other teams are clever enough to not get caught? Like all the spying nonsense in F1 right now. It's gone on since the series' inception in 1950, and will continue. It's just some people decided to raise a ruckus. Normal spying will resume shortly.

posted by Drood at 02:44 PM on December 12, 2007

I'm not convinced all the teams aren't doing something like this, to be honest.

posted by jerseygirl at 02:45 PM on December 12, 2007

So the Jet's suck at spying too?

posted by sanfran at 02:56 PM on December 12, 2007

Whining coach ,seeking position, will travel, audio visual experience. Contact: E. Mangini C/O N.Y Now Where Yets

posted by thatch at 03:07 PM on December 12, 2007

Well, sheeit. Guess I better send the Dolphins some video equipment, stat.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:17 PM on December 12, 2007

Every single team in the NFL films games to watch the tape. There are rules around that and you have to ask permission. Which the Jets did. You are not allowed to film the signals but you are allowed to film the games. If you camera's are stationed in the end zone you probably are not going to get a very good shot at the signals even if you wanted too. This just looks to me like someone is throwing an article out there just to stir up some crap. usless and baseless. It is not unfair nor is it cheating if you ask, you get permission and you film within the rules.

posted by T.C. at 03:42 PM on December 12, 2007

Besides if your stupid enough to use the same signals each game you deserve to lose!

posted by T.C. at 03:42 PM on December 12, 2007

Chico, funniest damn comment I've ever read on SpoFi...and that's sayin a lot.

posted by PAPhinFan at 03:44 PM on December 12, 2007

Yeah, I'm with Chico on this one. The Jets suck, and obviously the tape didn't help them knock of the Pats. On the other hand, I think the Pats deserve the asterick. Brady and Moss are incredible, but are they really that good? In any case, the Colts will deal out retribution come January.

posted by Goyoucolts at 04:29 PM on December 12, 2007

Yeah, I'm with Chico on this one. The Jets suck, and obviously the tape didn't help them knock of the Pats. On the other hand, I think the Pats deserve the asterick. If you're gonna talk that crap, at least spell it right. Asterisk. And pronounce it right, too, my god, people... Brady and Moss are incredible, but are they really that good? Write an essay in which you make a plausible case for the Patriots' "cheating" against the Jets earlier this season having helped them in any way, shape or form. Compare. Contrast. Five paragraphs. All that. In any case, the Colts will deal out retribution come January. Retribution for what? What exactly did the Patriots do to the Colts, except outplay them and win? You really need to work on your diction, son.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:47 PM on December 12, 2007

so, lil_brown_bat, how do you feel about the linked article?

posted by scully at 04:56 PM on December 12, 2007

Oh, jeez. The last thing that anybody needs to do is awaken the Patriot-loving mother wolverine that lives inside LBB. She will protect the Patriots to the last drop of Eric Mangini's blood.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:02 PM on December 12, 2007

I apologize for spelling "Asterisk" incorrectly in my "Dictation", but I will leave my above-mentiontioned views as they stand... I consider Belichick to be a twisted, angry old man who is running up the score on lesser teams to prove some point to the powers at be: The NFL, critics, and anyone else who questions the validity of his previous Super Bowl victories. Frankly, I don't doubt that he filmed every team in the league, regardless of their ability. And I used the term retribution in reference to the Patriots cheating, not the narrow win. Which wasn't decided until a fumble in the last few minutes. In addition, I resent the term "son." Thank you for the English lesson.

posted by Goyoucolts at 06:26 PM on December 12, 2007

I consider Belichick to be a twisted, angry old man Son, you have no idea how old and twisted that soothsaying imp of a warlock is. His anger is fed by the successes of Man-Genie and Tony Dungeony. Humanity will pay a penance come the quickening.....er....Big Game Super Bowl.

posted by THX-1138 at 07:17 PM on December 12, 2007

I consider Belichick to be a twisted, angry old man Bill always struck me as having pretty good posture, not twisted at all. Angry? Hardly, more like a driven capable leader of men. 55 is old? Geez, I better get to work on picking out that burial plot (I'm 46). who is running up the score on lesser teams Your Honour, may I present as Exhibit 1: Half time score of the 2006 AFC Championship Game New England 21 Indianapolis 6, Final score Indianapolis 38 New England 34. You play to win the game, and the game is 60 minutes long. You do not have the game won until the scoreboard reads 00:00 and your team has more points than your opponent. My thought on the matter is that Bill Belichick does not want a collapse like that to happen to a team he is coaching ever again. Would I like the Patriots to continue to score if I were coaching or playing for an opponent? No, and as a result, I should stop them. It's certainly not up to Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, Wes Welker and the rest of the Patriots offence to stop scoring. It's the opponents job, if you don't want them to score, get better and don't let them score. On edit, THX-1138 might be right. He could be a warlock. I hadn't considered that.

posted by tommybiden at 07:18 PM on December 12, 2007

Frankly, I don't doubt that he filmed every team in the league, regardless of their ability. I don't doubt the dark side of the moon is populated by a group of Illuminati who control the Earth's financial markets via Oprah's Book Club. Hmm, that was fun: nonsensical, no proof, just put declarations out there. I consider Belichick to be a twisted, angry old man who is running up the score on lesser teams to prove some point to the powers at be What did you think the point was when the Colts did it back when Peyton set the TD record?

posted by yerfatma at 07:27 PM on December 12, 2007

I have to admit Belichick does look a lot like a warlock.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:19 PM on December 12, 2007

Holy Shit Fatma!!! That was too damn funny~!!!! This whole thread is freakin hysterical:) Or is asteriskterical? Anyway, Im still gonna be snickering tomorrow when look up n see the moon.

posted by firecop at 09:34 PM on December 12, 2007

Fatty, I believe we've discussed this before, but in Peyton's record-setting season he was throwing late in games often because the game was not decided. Their D wasn't stopping anyone. One of his two five TD games was actually a loss to Kansas City. The worst blowout was the Detroit game, and he was out with 11 minutes to go in the third quarter. It's not the same. The only time he threw a questionable late TD was in that Tennessee game where the Titans were onsides kicking every time and scored a bunch of points quickly in the first (but then went to sleep after that). I believe the final in that one was 51-24.

posted by Bernreuther at 10:12 PM on December 12, 2007

Anyway, the original blog was the Jets were cheating by taping the Pats. They did ask for and receive permission from the Patriots and other teams to tape the games from the end zones. They were within the NFL guidelines to do so as well. Someone is just trying to kick up dirt to make this seem more of a grude match than it already is. I believe that the "Hoodie" will try to hang 70 or so on his old friend. It was Mangini that turned him in last year and caught them again this year. Face it, there is no love lost between these two men. They may never speak again. And, who really cares. I believe that the Patriots have been cheating for a long time and someone just finally caught him - one of his own. I believe he has been cheating for a lot longer than what most will admit to. What do you think was in his file cabinet that was so promptly destroyed by the league? They destroyed it before any one from the other teams could verify what did or didn't occur. No witnesses. It could have ruined the reputation of the NFL. You can all believe what you want - it's your right and freedom. I will always consider his run tainted regardless of the base of fans that protest this as sour grapes. It is my right to believe what I wish too. I don't think he just decided one day to "hey, let me tape a guy for laughs". The NFL gave the maximum fines and took a number one draft pick - tell me they didn't cheat and I will tell you that Roger Godell is on crack. He punished them for - say it - CHEATING!!!! First round pick and a combined $750,000 in fines isn't a joke or just for giggles

posted by Mickster at 10:42 PM on December 12, 2007

I don't doubt the dark side of the moon is populated by a group of Illuminati who control the Earth's financial markets via Oprah's Book Club. Hmm, that was fun: nonsensical, no proof, just put declarations out there. i have seen the fnords.

posted by goddam at 10:48 PM on December 12, 2007

you know.it wouldn't surprise me if Bellicheck knew a little voodo,magic. i mean isn't it wierd how a player like randy moss who had been a ss for his whole career is suddenly a team guy.

posted by rockstar2001 at 12:51 AM on December 13, 2007

in Peyton's record-setting season he was throwing late in games often because the game was not decided 2004? The three games before that Tennessee game were: 49-14, 41-10, 41-9. I'm not begrudging them those wins, just saying there was no chorus of boo birds back then. Of course, facts aren't important, what you believe is what matters. To wit: You can all believe what you want - it's your right and freedom. All the better if what you believe sits on some sort of evidence. The NFL gave the maximum fines and took a number one draft pick Just the wrong one. Face it, there is no love lost between these two men. They may never speak again. You've a real future in the romance novel business.

posted by yerfatma at 06:37 AM on December 13, 2007

Very cute... I am pointing out that they were very close before the incident. Close enough that Mangini's gave his son William (Bill) for his mddle name they were that close. Evidence is already presented. Ask Mr. Kraft how he liked giving up $250,000. Ask the Hoodie how he liked being fined a half million? I am sure they didn't need the extra draft choice anyway. Time will tell if it were the right draft choice, but nonetheless, a first rounder was taken from them. Ever heard of that being done before? Oh, and by the way thanks for the career advice, romance novels might sell big!!!!

posted by Mickster at 07:08 AM on December 13, 2007

"you know.it wouldn't surprise me if Bellicheck knew a little voodo,magic. i mean isn't it wierd how a player like randy moss who had been a ss for his whole career is suddenly a team guy. posted by rockstar2001 at 12:51 AM CST on December 13" That is "reputed" to be an ass his whole career. Unless you were personally on teams with him, you don't really know. Being around proven winners has to raise Moss' desire to show up for work each day - how many of us can say that we do not feel that sensation about our jobs .

posted by Cave_Man at 07:52 AM on December 13, 2007

Now the argument is going to be that the Jets got "Permission". Hmmm. The way I see it the Jets coach is either awfly stupid or has huge brass balls. I'm betting on stupid! Not only did he rat out his own coach, he is now seen as a crying, bitching stool pigeon. Great job!!!! I honestly hope that New England beats them 100 to nothing this week. Seriously, I don't care how much I was up by I would put it in the end zone even when I didn't have to. Don't think Bill Bel isn't thinking about it either, LOL. He can't wait to P-O-U-N-D the j-e-t-s! LOL

posted by B10 at 09:45 AM on December 13, 2007

"Not only did he rat out his own coach" Sorry meant old Head Coach

posted by B10 at 09:46 AM on December 13, 2007

Evidence is already presented. Ask Mr. Kraft how he liked giving up $250,000. Ask the Hoodie how he liked being fined a half million? I am sure they didn't need the extra draft choice anyway. You're pointing at an outcome and assuming a result. It's called "begging the question". Time will tell if it were the right draft choice Uhm, if the draft happened today, the Pats' lost pick would be #32 and the pick they still have from San Fransisco would be #2. There isn't enough time left in the season to even make the question interesting.

posted by yerfatma at 09:49 AM on December 13, 2007

They still cant beat the Pats

posted by sap_basis at 09:52 AM on December 13, 2007

2004? The three games before that Tennessee game were: 49-14, 41-10, 41-9. I'm not begrudging them those wins, just saying there was no chorus of boo birds back then. Of course, facts aren't important, what you believe is what matters. I know yerfatma was responding to the claim that the scores were high because the games were close (which certainly seems not to be the case in those three games prior to the Tennessee game). However, I think the following is worth pointing out (and I'm neither a Colts lover nor Pats hater, so don't read anything in to this):

Indianapolis 49 - Houston 14: last Peyton Manning touchdown throw is at about 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter; Manning does attempt 5 passes in the 4th quarter (compared to 4 running plays) and is picked off once; single Colts touchdown in 4th quarter is INT return Indianapolis 41 - Detroit 9: last Peyton Manning touchdown pass is at about 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter; with the exception of one incomplete Jim Sorgi pass, 4th quarter Colts possessions are all running plays (including a turnover on downs on the last play); no Colts scores in 4th quarter Indianapolis 41 - Chicago 10: last Peyton Manning touchdown pass at about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter; 4th quarter Colts possession is all running plays; no Colts scores in 4th quarter.
My definition of running up the score only looks at what teams do in the 4th quarter (at least for the pros) and running up the score to me generally means passing with a huge lead. Under those self-selected criteria, the only one of those games that looks like the Colts could be accused of trying to run up the score is the Houston game, where they passed more than ran in the 4th quarter. I'm not sure what explains that -- maybe Dom Capers forgot to RSVP to Tony Dungy's Bible study or something and really pissed him off. I haven't looked at what the Patriots have done in the 4th quarter this year, so maybe they are in the same boat as the 2004 Colts (and obviously the above is just a limited sample of that Colts season). The only thing I can currently recall that really struck me as egregious that the Patriots have done this year was pounding it in against the Cowboys with less than a minute to go and a 14 point lead, but that's primarily just due to my opinion that the sporting thing to do there is to take a knee and turn the ball over on downs. I know in a prior discussion on the subject, many here didn't feel the same way.

posted by holden at 10:45 AM on December 13, 2007

Oh no, it's definitely a different boat. The Pats have kept scoring well into the 4th. There is some discussion of whether they're going for it on 4th down is better or worse than kicking a (sure) field goal. Thanks for the info-- upon review, Bernreuther you were right. Sorry for the glossed-over analysis.

posted by yerfatma at 11:24 AM on December 13, 2007

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