NFL finds Patriots employees probably deflated balls

[mornelithe]

McDonaldsGuy said:

DivinePaladin said:

Alright, I'm gonna listen to some pedestrian fan arguing over the dozens of articles I've read on Spygate since 2007 and on Deflategate since it started. I'll believe you saying that Kraft is a lying weasel over practically everybody who has ever met him, worked with him, worked against him, etc. and gushed about how genuine a person he is. And while we're at it, let's just ban the Patriots for the actions of a few individuals acting without the okay from any member of the coaching staff. 

 

Thank god you're not the commissioner right now. I'd take Goodell kissing ass over your martial law. 

Let me ask you this - what is Spygate, and what did it affect and how long was it taking place for?

Spygate was the result of Eric Mangini whistleblowing on his old team (whom he did the taping for), during a Jets game.  (Sept 9th, 2007).  The tape itself was never actually viewed by any Pats staff, as it was confiscated during the game.  And it wasn't actually that they were taping, it's that the taping was being done in a place where club staff members had access too during the game (This was the rule change, that went into effect in 2006, circulated by memo by Ray Anderson).

"...any communications or information-gathering equipment, other than Polaroid-type cameras or field telephones, shall be prohibited...including without limitation...any other form of electronic devices that might aid a team during the playing of a game."

"During the playing of a game" is the key phrase.  Belichick claimed that he thought it was permissible, as long as the footage was not used during the game.  Shady to say the least, and basically doing what he pleased, as long as HE felt it was w/in the letter of the law.  Which is Belichick through and through, really.  Oddly enough, even Mangini claims he never wanted the league to get involved, he just wanted the taping stopped.

As far as 'when did it start', Sept 9th was the beginning of the regular season.  The memo sent by Ray Anderson took effect in 2007.  So...the Jets game was where it started.