The old adage states that the proof is in the pudding. There has been a lot of talk and allegations involving former Patriots employee Matt Walsh concerning the illegal video practices, but no substantial physical proof. Walsh is not willing to show what he has until he is guaranteed protection from the NFL. The NFL and Walsh’s lawyer both said Sunday night that "substantial progress" has been made in negotiations to reach a deal that would allow Walsh to come forward with any knowledge or materials he has related to the Patriots' illicit videotaping.
Walsh's lawyer, Michael N. Levy e-mailed this statement regarding the progress the sides have made in reaching an agreement. "I have consistently asked the NFL to provide appropriate legal protections for Mr. Walsh. In recent discussions I have had with the League's lawyer, we have made substantial progress toward this end, and I am hopeful that we will be able to craft an agreement with the necessary legal protections so Mr. Walsh can come forward with the truth."
In a statement emailed by NFL representative Greg Aiello "Our counsel and Mr. Walsh's attorney have been engaged in a serious effort for some time now to reach an agreement that would permit Mr. Walsh to come forward. In the last seven days, the lawyers have had intensive and constructive discussions regarding some new and promising approaches. They have made substantial progress toward an agreement that will allow Mr. Walsh to be interviewed. Both sides are optimistic that any remaining issues can be addressed successfully and they are committed to reaching a full agreement as promptly as possible. As Commissioner Goodell has repeatedly emphasized, 'nobody wants to hear from Matt Walsh more than the National Football League."
Goodell previously had warned the Patriots that if Belichick lied about the extent of their videotaping practices when they were initially questioned, he would suspend Belichick for a year and impose similarly severe penalties on the team. Coach Bill Belichick has already been fined $500000 and the Patriots were ordered to forfeit their first round draft pick and pay $250000.
So will the evidence that Matt Walsh has on tape (if it exists) change our views of the New England Patriots and their seven-year streak of good fortune?
Coach Belichick already has acknowledged to Commissioner Goodell that he had approved opponent’s signal taping from the time he joined the team in 2000, believing he was not violating the spirit of the rules. If this is all Walsh has on tape, then it only collaborates what Belichick has already confessed to doing.
What if Walsh possesses a tape of the Rams' final walkthrough at the 2002 Super Bowl? The Patriots have already stated that if the tape of this does exist, then Walsh acted alone. Walsh’s credibility has already been in question over the last month. In question is incorrect information on Walsh’s website about his job responsibilities as a New England Patriot, as well as his firing from the organization for illegally taping conversations with Scott Pioli, vice president of player personnel. The Patriots are portraying Walsh as an angered ex-employee.
If any tapes do exist in Matt Walsh’s possession, the Patriots want them returned stating that it is property of the team. The Patriots organization, for example, is missing video of Adam Vinatieri kicking the winning field goal in the 2002 Super Bowl. The tape was recorded by an end zone camera Matt Walsh operated during the game. This same tape could contain the alleged Super Bowl XXXVI walkthrough.
The controversy continues while the lawyers work out the details. Speaking of lawyers, the Associated Press reports that lawyers for a St. Louis Rams player and three fans plan to withdraw their lawsuit accusing the Patriots of cheating in Super Bowl XXXVI. Guess they cannot wait for the video tape.
Note: The title Tainted Dynasty is only a reflection of the continuing Spygate saga and not of the New England Patriot Players and all of their accomplishments over the last seven years.
No comments:
Post a Comment