DarrylStingley
Boston Sports
Your tone sucks. There really is no reason to write like a douche bag.tmack on 01-08-2008 at 08:25 PM said:Yes, DS, I'm drawing conclusions about this issue based upon the facts of the matter. The fact that BB was fined the maximum amount, that the team was also fined and has to forfeit a first round draft pick leads one to believe the matter was "serious." The fact that BB actually violated two rules, not just one, trumps the message board argument that has been repeated ad nauseum that the Patriots could have legally taped "from the stands" (which is absolutely false and violates both the same rules as being on the sideline).
When I'm debating, DS, I do like to deal with the facts of the matter, whereas you admittedly have a biased view of all things Tony Dungy. I realize that someone such as yourself, who has gulped down so much Homer-flavored Kool-Aid he's practically drowning, doesn't want to deal with facts, DS, but please don't be angry with the rest of us who do.
Now, the two rules in question (since you asked so nicely):
The "Game Operations Manual" states that "no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game," and I'm presuming this is what the false notion of "taping from the stands" being legal was derived from. However, later in the same rule it is stated, "all video shooting locations must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead." That certainly wouldn't include shooting the camera from the stands, would it DS?
Lastly, the rules clearly state that taping signals OF ANY KIND is prohibited. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. No special place. No room for "misinterpretation."
It sure is nice to know, though, that you base your arguments (which you defend so vehemently, mind you) on heresay found on the internet. And you wonder why I roll my eyes.
Your facts are not facts, they're opinions or just wrong.
1. There is no max fine. You invented that out of whole cloth. Maybe you meant the biggest fine given to date. If so, your mocking tone lacks precision.
2. You can believe what you want about whether a big fine equals serious. I think Goodell thought what BB did was serious. I disagree with Roger's conclusion and so do others who have experience in the game. But big penalties and jail sentences are given to innocent men all the time. In some places, huge penalties are given for smoking a joint. Do you really believe that the presence of a big penalty perforce means the crime or violation is serious. All you are really saying is that you think that whatever Goodell does must be right and measured and is an indication that BB's violation was serious. Bully for you.
3. Two rules/one rule....it doesn't demand the conclusion that taping is a big deal. Ten rules wouldn't demand that conclusion either. Taping is or isn't a big deal, regardless of how many rules were violated. It's true that lots of rules violations might be meaningful, but you are writing as if you can add up the violations and voila, you have a solid conclusion. What if kissing your wife and grabbing her ass over her skirt in public violated 17 laws? Would that make it a serious violation in the eyes of anyone besides that particular legislature?
4. It's not crystal clear from your connecting of the dots that coaches can't video from the stands. What if it was from a luxury box? Maybe that's the kind of stands that they can video tape from. Maybe there are other rules that bear on this. Pardon me if I don't buy that the great Tmack is the final authority on the NFL rules on taping.
And really, stop with the mocking tone. It does nothing to advance the discussion or convince anyone that you are correct.