NFL could punish Patriots for spying on the Jets

NEW YORK - The NFL reportedly is considering punishing the NewEngland Patriots for spying on the New York Jets in their seasonopener.

ESPN.com, citing league sources, reported Tuesday thatcommissioner Roger Goodell has determined the Patriots violatedleague rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by theJets' coaches. But the report also said the Patriots have not yetpresented their case to the league.

The Web site's report said Goodell is considering severesanctions, including docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks."

A league spokesman, however, said only that an investigation isunder way. Both teams said no decision has been made.

NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriotsemployee during New England's 38-14 victory Sunday. The employee wasaccused of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches as theysignaled to players on the field.

Last season, the Green Bay Packers had an issue with a man wearinga Patriots staff credential who was carrying a video camera on theirsideline.

"The rule is that no video recording devices of any kind arepermitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in thelocker room during the game," the league said Monday in a statementfrom spokesman Greg Aiello.

"Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that thevideotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on thesidelines is prohibited.

"We are looking into whether the Patriots violated this rule."

There also are questions regarding the Patriots' use of radiofrequencies during the game.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft was asked when he expected a verdict,but said those questions had to be directed toward Goodell.

"There is an investigation going on now, and perhaps anadjudication of it, and I think it would be inappropriate at thistime to make any comment," Kraft told reporters at a charityappearance Tuesday. "When you're successful in anything, a lot ofpeople like to try to take you down and do different things. Weunderstand that.

"We worked very hard to try to put an organization together thatwe all could be proud of in New England, and we're very proud of theNew England Patriots organization and the record that they'veestablished over the last 13 seasons and one game."

AP-ES-09-11-07 2155EDT