Cheaters

So for those of you reading who haven't noticed yet, I'm a big sports guy. When I'm not studying calc, doing engineering homework, reading chemistry, or writing english papers, I'm usually outside doing something athletic or in my room watching sports. Thus, usually at least one of my blog entries each week reflects this interest of mine.
So with that said, my entry for this week (which is very similar to my last one) : Cheating in sports, only this time we are talking football.
Team: New England Patriots
Credentials: Superbowl champions 2002, 2004, 2005
Offense: Violation of NFL rules governing sideline videotaping with the intent of gaining a competative advantage.
*Punishment: $500,000 fine to head coach, $250,000 fine to organization, and loss of 1st round pick in next years NFL draft
Result: Bill Belichick (heralded as the greatest coach in the NFL in the last decade) and the New England Patriots (arguably the best team in the league) were found have made a "calculated and deliberate attempt" of breaking known league rules.
Its only the second week of the season! How can the NFL have this much controversy surrounding it before half of the teams in the league even have a W in the win column.
Notice the star I put by punishment...Even with all the disappointment I felt towards the Patriots, I was overjoyed to see commissioner Goodell come down hard on the offenders. Its about time an authoritative body in sports has come down swiftly and harshly on those who dare to break the rules. If it had not been for the $500,000 cap on fines in the NFL, I am confident Goodell would have demanded more. Furthermore, his decision to take away a draft pick of the Patriots next year is genius. The loss of a big time college prospect can potentially have a huge impact on the Patriots scheme in the next couple of years.
From a fan standpoint, I don't know what to think anymore. As of late, it seems that with each week, another scandel in the sporting world is revealed. Last week was baseball; this week its football. What will be next?
((Alan))