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Let me state right off the bat, I am a HUGE New England Patriots fan. Have been for forever. However this little episode has left me feeling a bit angry and bitter. I expected better from them. If you cheat, you pay. In this case, the Patriots and Belichick payed a huge fine and lost their first round draft pick (if they reach the playoffs and and this point there is no reason to believe they wont).

Now we fans also have to listen to garbage such as "so the only reason you won those Super Bowls is because you cheated!" and "Well, Anyone can play well if they cheat!" as well as other sour grape comments.

So yeah, the fine was merited. It's a shame the fine went into the coffers of the NFL instead of some kind of restitution for the fans.

However, do I think the Patriots are the only team to have done this? Heck NO! In fact Jimmy Johnson (former coach of the Cowboys and Dolphins) said that other teams have done the same thing. Also there is a reason that coaches cover their mouths when calling plays. Other teams try to steal signals, play calls etc and have done for forever. This does not excuse the Patriots. Just because "everyone does it" doesn't mean it's right.

What really frosts my cornflakes however, is the fact they didn't need to do it. They are an excellent team, Brady is playing better than ever and Belichick is a phenomenal coach, quite possibly the best in the league (although, I think Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos in also in the running for that title). And why the JETS? I could sort of understand if they got caught filming the Baltimore Colts, who are doing very well and Payton Manning is always a threat. But the Jets? The Patriots could walk all over them with their third string players who been on a three day bender. It was so unnecessary and has caused a lot of anger and disappointment amongst the fans.

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