America had a new Spygate for about 28 minutes, but it was a big misunderstanding
Spygate briefly made a comeback on Monday, but it turns out that it’s not a new Patriots scandal but just a big misunderstanding between the Pats and Bengals.
Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
SpyGate 2.0? Not even close.
The national sports media thought for a moment there may be a fresh Patriots scandal brewing, but it turns out that the latest NFL investigation involving the Patriots was just a big misunderstanding. It started at 3:11 p.m. when ESPN's Dianna Russini alerted her Twitter followers that a reporter asked Bengals head coach Zac Taylor about "rumors" that the Patriots had a videographer in the press box filming the Bengals sideline.
Well, that was just a rumor. And an incredibly irresponsible way for that reporter to frame his question.
The Patriots did, however, have a video crew in the press box at the Browns' stadium, where Cleveland was playing the Bengals. They had their advance scout in attendance watching the Bengals, but the cameras were there because the scout was being filmed for one of the team's "Do Your Job" documentaries that you can watch at Patriots.com.
According to NESN's Doug Kyed - just 28 minutes after Russini's original tweet - the Patriots cleared credentials for the scout and the video crew with the Browns and turned the footage over and are cooperating with the league's investigation. Apparently, the Bengals were unaware of the documentary being filmed so they reported the video crew to the NFL.
In other words, a big misunderstanding. I'd like to tell the rest of the country to move along to the next topic, but the likelihood is this becomes a new Patriots scandal for as long as the league is investigating it. Hell, the majority of fans have probably already made their minds up because of course.
Tom Brady and the Patriots offense could use a spark with only three games left in the regular season. Maybe this will be enough for them.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
