It sounds like the NFL is getting closer to throwing down a punishment at the New England Patriots over the taping of the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline in Week 14.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the NFL’s investigation comes down to motive. The Patriots had readily admitted a mistake was made while videotaping Cincinnati’s sideline for about eight minutes, but that none of the football operations side of the team was aware it was happening.
Also per Rapoport, the Bengals are “furious” over the matter and want the Patriots punished for the mishap.
Here’s the full segment in which the report advances the story:
From @NFLGameDay: As the NFL's investigation into the #Patriots filming activities of the #Bengals continue, all options are on the table for a possible penalty, including a fine. pic.twitter.com/xz71xgchcu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 15, 2019
“…meanwhile, the Bengals do have a copy of that tape, they are furious, they would like the Patriots punished…all options are on the table, including a hefty fine.”
From the sounds of reports so far, the Patriots are looking at a fine, not a loss of a draft pick. The admission of the taping and rules violation prompts at least a fine, though motive and past behavior by the organization in question presumably plays a role.
As for the Bengals, the issue taken with the Patriots isn’t unwarranted, though their role in the fray seems over.
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