Bill Belichick Apologizes, Meets with NFL Commissioner

Coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots apologized to his team Wednesday, confirming that he spoke with NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell about his "interpretation" of league rules that ban videotaping of the opposing sideline. However, it was unclear exactly what Belichick was apologizing for as he refused to elaborate on a 1 paragraph statement issued before a regularly scheduled news conference.

The statement 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."

The statement also said that Belicheck met with Roger Goodell this week about what he referred to as a "videotaping prodedure" during last Sunday's game and his "interpretation of the rules."

After only 15 minutes of talking about Sunday's game, reporters began to press Belichick harder about the videotaping incident. The coach was, however, none too pleased and left the room.

ESPN reported that Goodell has determined that the team violated league rules, but state that the Patriots have not yet presented their case to the league. ESPN is also reporting that the commissioner is considering severe sanctions for the infraction, including docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks." However at this time only an investigation is underway, and no decisions have been made.

A video camera and tape were confiscated by NFL Security from a Patriots employee on Sunday during their 38-14 win over the New York Jets. The employee has been accused of aiming the camera the the Jets' defensive coaches as they signaled to players on the field.

Belicheck has also been accused in recent days of having been videotaping opposing teams for years and getting away with it. That too remains to be proven, but we expect to hear more as the investigation heats up.