Spygate's first victim: Tampa Bay?
That's true, according to revelations in a New York Times article in which an unnamed former Patriots player is reported to have said the team's videotaping of defensive signals started in coach Bill Bellichick's first game -- in the 2000 season-opener against the Bucs.
It's a fascinating story that provides yet more context on the scope and length of time the Patriots are alleged to have cheated. Videotaping coaches signals is a violation of NFL rules. The Patriots and Bellichick were fined a combined $750,000 in September by commissioner Roger Goodell after the league found evidence of previous videotaping.
Ironic thing about that Bucs game in 2000: the Patriots lost 21-16 and the Bucs went on to a 3-0 start, finishing 10-6. Click here for the full story.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder, Dave Scheiber and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
interesting ... my only recollection of that game was a blank tv screen --- was in key west at a watering hole on duval street and the friggin' sattelite went out when we got hit with a rain storm .... missed about 2/3 of the dadgum game
Posted by: Baaad Buc | February 22, 2008 at 01:49 PM
The only thing I remember is we had a goal to go situation and Dilfer faked like he was going to spike and then threw a TD to Reidel Anthony. The Patriots probably didn't have tape of that particular play...which is why it worked.
Posted by: Bucdrew | February 22, 2008 at 02:16 PM
The good news is that by the time we played them again in 2005, they had perfected their technique enough to give us a 28-0 belting.
Posted by: Matt | February 22, 2008 at 02:30 PM
BucDrew
Wasn't that Shaun King, not Dilfer?...I don't remember. I do remember the announcer making a comparison to Dan Marino after that play.
Posted by: Josh | February 22, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Trent was gone at that point. Shaun was the starter.
Posted by: Travis | February 22, 2008 at 05:24 PM
dilfer was not the starting qb in 2000, it was shaun king
Posted by: vic | February 22, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Guys...Difer and King play offense. The Patriots taped Defensive signals.
Hello??? Are we learning yet?
Posted by: | February 22, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Well this puts a nasty little * next to all of Tom Brady's amazeing stats. Makes ya wonder doesn't it?
Posted by: Jason | February 23, 2008 at 12:23 AM
maybe pretty boy, girly man tom brady can go away. i'd enjoy that. fruit.
Posted by: gobucs | February 23, 2008 at 02:39 AM
Tom Brady would be the Barry Bonds/Roger Clemens of football. I don't think that cry baby would be able to handle the media pressure from a scandal like this. He probably would tuck his tail and run from the game, telling himself its retaliation for the way he is being treated.
Posted by: DR | February 23, 2008 at 10:48 AM