Patriots Scandals

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NFL Problems #3: Patriots Scandals

Over the past few years, many teams have dealt with scandals. None more than New England Patriots. They have been accused of cheating multiple times and their recent success has been tainted due to the fact that they may have cheated.

Spygate: In 2007, the Patriots were caught video-taping New York Jets coaches from an unauthorized location, in attempt to steal play-calls. This is of course illegal, and head coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000. Additionally, the Patriots were fined $250,000 and lost their first round pick in 2008. Some notable players that they could've taken with that pick include, Jordy Nelson, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Jamaal Charles, Justin Forsett, and Calais Campbell. Belichick's legacy was tarnished and he will forever be known as a cheater to non-Patriots fans.

Super Bowl XXXVI: Six months after "Spygate," it was reported that in 2002, the Patriots recorded St. Louis Rams practices, the team they beat in that Super Bowl 36. No discipline was given to the Patriots, but most people consider that cheating to win the Super Bowl. Therefore, New England's Super Bowl XXXVI victory will forever have "Spygate" looming over it.

Deflategate: In yet another Patriots scandal, the Patriots were accused of deflating footballs. In the 2014/15 AFC Championship game, the Patriots crushed the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7. After the game the Colts accused the Patriots of deflating footballs in order to get a better grip in the cold January weather. All members involved including Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Robert Kraft denied any knowledge of deflating footballs. The League blamed two members of the Patriots equipment staff, Jim McNally and John Jastremski. They were both fired and the team was fined $1,000,000. Also, the team lost their first-round pick in 2016