Welp, it's two days before the Super Bowl and what a shocking coincidence that Spygate is back in the news. Isn't that just amazing? Arlen Specter kicked it off this morning by requesting NFL Commish Roger Goodell to explain why the confiscated tapes were destroyed, though he claims he intially made the request just before the New England Patriots played the Philadelphia Eagles this season (another coincidence?) but the NFL didn't respond. So here it is today in the New York Times:
Finally Roger Goodell came out in his press conference today and directly answered questions about Spygate and what he had to say is not good if you're a Patriot-hater and convinced the Pats Super Bowls are tainted. He said that there were about six video tapes coming from late in the 2006 season and 2007 preseason (um, not the super bowl seasons FYI), all showing the same kind of stuff as the tape that Jay Glazer of FOX managed to get of the New York Jets game. Here are some other interesting quotes from the commish:
“I don’t think it taints their accomplishments,” Goodell added. “I think what they did this season was certainly within the rules, on a level playing field.”
And as to why he destroyed the tapes: “I believe it was helpful for us in making sure my instructions were followed closely, not just with the Patriots but by every other team,” (i.e. if any other tapes pop up he'll know the Pats were lying)
So what does this all mean? I am sure it won't put a damper on all you conspiracy theorists out there that are convinced that the Pats are the only team in the NFL that would ever stoop so low as to steal signals. The Mike Florios and the Greg Easterbrooks of the world will continue to believe that the Pats are hiding something far more sinister - perhaps one of the tapes shows the location of Osama Bin Laden?
Spygate coming back up is bad news for the New York Giants. It's a nice reminder for the Patriots of the biggest controversy that surrounded them this season and if you saw them dismantle the San Diego Chargers in week 2 you know their feelings on the whole situation. Props to the Commish for coming out and putting an end to the speculation as to what was on the tapes. Though I'm sure it won't have any effect on all those who still cling to the "Pats are Cheaters" belief, it's all they've got after New England laid waste to the NFL this season.
