"There has been no decision rendered," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello last night.
Today, Belichick released a statement acknowledging the league's accusations.
"Earlier this week, I spoke with Commissioner Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday's game and my interpretation of the rules," Belichick said. "At this point, we have not been notified of the league's ruling. Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league’s decision, I will have further comment."
Before the league issues any sanctions - which could be severe, including suspensions, fines, and the loss of draft picks - Patriots coach Bill Belichick will present his team's explanation to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, likely by the end of the week over the telephone.
"There has been no decision rendered," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello last night.
Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella was stationed on the New England sideline when he was approached by league security officials and had his camera and videotape seized in the middle of the first quarter Sunday. A native of New Bedford, Estrella is in his fourth season with the Patriots and his third year as a full-time video assistant. He helps edit game and practice tapes for use by team coaches, scouts, and players.
The official NFL rule regarding coaching video states, "No video record ing devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game."
The league's head of football operations, Ray Anderson, sent a memo to head coaches and general managers last September reiterating the policy and stating that "video taping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth, in the locker room, or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game."
Because a quarterback has an audio receiver in his helmet that allows coaches to communicate with him, a team potentially could gain an advantage by knowing defensive signals.
