Could not the same argument be made for Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and others? H80's post about the Chargers in the playoffs losing to the Pats will definitely fuel the fire. How about the Rams losing to the Pats in the Super Bowl? I'm sorry Hio; but I think If Belechick actually misunderstood the rules, he should have sought clarification first before proceeding. I think that Goodell is now having to deal with a scandal that does not involve NFL players off-field activities and behavior; but a coach's on-field activity which threatens the sanctity of the game.I think his solution was more of "now-what-in-the-hell-do-I-do" statement than a punishment that needs to be meted out. He had to do something; or be branded a "paper Commisioner" whose zero tolerance policy is more tailored to the personality, than to the act deserving of punishment. Yes, 500K is a lot of money for a head coach in the NFL. But why wasn't Tank Johnson just punished to this? And all the Bengal players? Pacman Jones? They aren't head coaches, but do you see the ambiguity of the statement Goodell has made?
As much as I hate this topic; unfortunately I think you are going to start hearing "race" applied to this scandal. I'm sure there will be Black civic groups screaming that Belichick got off easy because he is white. I can almost guarantee it. Can anyone say "Al Sharpton"?