Report: Patriots Likely to Face 'Steep Penalties' for Illegally Taping Bengals' Sideline
Though the NFL has not made a final ruling on how the New England Patriots will be penalized for illegally taping the Cincinnati Bengals' sideline in Week 14, a report has come out that suggests they may be penalized heavily.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Patriots could be subject to the loss of at least one draft pick along with heavy fines. There is also the possibility that a member of upper management and/or ownership could face a suspension.
"The New England Patriots are facing steep penalties for their admitted illegal taping of the Bengals sideline last week, league sources said, which is likely to include the loss of at least one draft pick and heavy fines," La Canfora wrote. "There is the possibility of a suspension for a member of upper management and/or ownership as well, sources said, pending the results of the NFL's full investigation into the matter.
"The Patriots are repeat offenders for violating the league's game-day operations regulations in the past -- twice being stripped of first-round picks for either illegally doctoring footballs or illegally taping an opponent -- which will also factor into the ultimate discipline in this case, the sources said. The NFL takes these matters very seriously and has regularly taken away draft picks and used fines and suspensions for similar infractions, whether it be illegal use of cell phones on game day (Browns) or pumping in fake crowd noise (Falcons)."
