NFL News: Broncos Fine $100K for Filming 49ers Practice
Steve Scarnecchia really has a problem with following NFL rules. After being involved in a videotaping scandal in the early 2000’s, known as "Spygate," Scarnecchia has done it again. In 2007, the Patriots were caught videotaping Jets coaches, sending signals to their on-field players, during a game. In a NFL investigation, it was discovered that the Patriots had been breaking rules for several seasons. Scarnecchia had been working for the Patriots in several of their earlier scandals, but had left the team by then. Commissioner Roger Goodell then informed Scarnecchia, that he had to attend a hearing, which would determine his future in the NFL. This time, Scarnecchia was involved with Denver Broncos coach, Josh McDaniels. The NFL fined McDaniels and the Broncos, $50,000 each, because of Scarnecchia filming the 49ers in a practice session in London, last month. This is strictly against NFL rules. The NFL investigative team determined that Scarnecchia recorded six minutes of the practice and showed it to McDaniels. Although McDaniels did not view the tape, he and the Broncos were fined, because he did not report the incident to the authorities, as per league rules. McDaniels said on Saturday,
“We certainly did not view or do anything with the footage, and he was made aware that it was something we didn't condone in our organization. I failed to follow through and report it to the proper individuals in our organization and with the league."
When asked why he did not report the incident, he said,
"I made a mistake. I made a mistake and I should have done that right away. We felt we handled it the right way by not doing anything with that but I did not follow through with it."
McDaniels also worked for the Patriots during Spygate, but there was no evidence that indicated his involvement in it. Broncos owner, Pat Bowlen, said in a statement
"This incident cuts into the trust and respect our fans, our ticket holders, our community and our fellow competitors have for our organization. We will take all steps to ensure that an incident like this never occurs again."
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