mornelithe said:
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.
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