Goodell Smack-Down

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has imposed the most disproportionate penalty ever levied by the league—a total of $750,000 in fines and the forfeiture of the team's first-round draft pick.

All this for video-taping readily open and viewable defensive signals from the Jets sideline? Is he serious?

There is no denying that Coach Belichick violated the clear proscription against use of video equipment during a game—and he should pay some penalty. But this?

Now, the Patriots will just have to show the league that the past was not a "fluke" and they can win it all without subterfuge.