Mr. Glassman on Spygate

This is written by Glassman... anyone who ever wants a forum to bitch/vent/rant/discuss lemme know and I'm happy to post your stuff... Enjoy!

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The Patriots did NOT cheat.

The term "cheat" was invented by the media backlash that ensued after the Patriots were caught video taping the Jets. Naturally, bitter Patriot haters took the term and ran with it and they haven't stopped running.

Now don't misunderstand me, what the Patriots did was wrong and it violated the rules of the NFL. However, that is not the same thing as cheating.

Using the word "cheating" implies that an unfair advantage was gained. Since it's perfectly legal to steal the other team's signals, the Patriots didn't gain an advantage over any other team. And yes, it is legal to steal the other team's signals and yes EVERY single team in the NFL does it in one way, shape, or form. Of course, I don't expect you to take my word on such a bold claim. Read these articles below if you require further proof.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3017542 http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3017423

So why were the Patriots docked a 1st round pick and fined so heavily? Well they violated the rules. This rule to be exact:

"Any use by any club at any time, from the start to the finish of any game in which such club is a participant, of any
communications or information-gathering equipment, other than Polaroid-type cameras or field telephones, shall be prohibited, including without limitation videotape machines, telephone tapping, or bugging devices, or any other form of electronic devices that might aid a team during the playing of a game"

Keep in mind the reason they were penalized. They used a video camera at a time when they were not supposed to. They were not fined because they stole signals. As we just proved, stealing signals is considered legal. Taping signals as opposed to writing them down by hand or describing them into a tape recorder are just different means to the same end. The final result is that you get some idea of the what the other team is trying to do defensively. If you and two friends all agree to meet at the mall, you probably go three different ways to get there. The end result is that you still arrived at the mall. Sure, one of the ways was easier (video taping), but the end result is no different. Get it?

Perhaps no greater proof that taping doesn't help you anymore than the conventional way to steal signals is this. From 2001 to 2006 (pre-spygate), the Patriots had the best record in the NFL. From 2007 to midway through the 2009 season (post-spygate), guess who has the best record in the NFL? I'll give you just one guess. Yep. The Patriots. If the video tapes were truly the difference, shouldn't the Patriots suddenly turn into losers overnight? But they didn't. Ironically, the Patriots win% is higher post-spygate then pre-spygate ulitmately burying any thought that taping might have played a part in their victories. Go to pro-football-reference.com and do the math if you don't believe me.

What about the tape of the Rams walkthrough and Matt Walsh?

The tape of the Rams walkthrough N-E-V-E-R happened. I cannot stress this enough. Matt Walsh absolutely hated the Patriots and wanted to get back at them. However, he lied about having the tape. NO such tape was ever found because it never existed. There is another very good article that goes into details as to why this whole rumor is ridiculous. You can read it here if you need further proof regarding this matter:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=mortensen_chris&id=3398849

No doubt that what the Patriots did was wrong but, seriously, they payed the price. Enough already. There will be no *asterisks* next to their titles and Belichick will find himself in the hall of fame someday. The sad fact is that most non-patriot fans are insanely jealous of the Patriots success and would do or say anything to bring them down. You have to understand that. Be honest, would anyone even care if the Lions had taped signals?

Do you need more? Yep, sometimes I like to beat a dead horse.

Here are some more tidbits on past dynasties. What a surprise, the Patriots aren't the only dynasty to break the rules:

1) The 3-11 Dolphins were charged with tampering with another team's coach in the hiring of Don Shula in 1970. As we all know the Dolphins went on to win 2 Superbowls and have a perfect season. The Dolphins were charged a 1st rounder for that one.

2) The 1995 49ers paid players under the table to beat the salary cap and avoid losing them to free agency. They were fined $900,000 and lost 2 draft picks.

3) The 1998 Broncos did the same thing. Fined $950,000 and a 1st rounder.

4) It's widely known that the 1970's Steelers were the first team to use steroids. They didn't receive any fines or penalties but should a * be next to all 4 of their titles?

Personally, I don't give a crap about any of this stuff. All of these teams still worked hard and earned their championships. You have to give respect where respect is due. However, how do you justify calling the Patriots cheaters without also calling these franchises cheaters too? You can't.

As for the whole spygate thing, it lives on for one reason. If the rest of the league can't stop the Patriots on the field, at least they can yell ignorant comments like "cheaters!". Maybe it helps them sleep better at night.