« Rules in focus | Main | Pats moves »

Outside perspective

Here are some comments from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin regarding the allegations against the Patriots, which came in his press conference today:

His thought on the accusations of spying by the Patriots
"You hear rumors of things of that nature. It's nothing new. In terms of confirming it, it's never been confirmed in any instance to my knowledge. But usually where there is smoke, there's fire. Those rumors are founded on something. So it's not totally shocking, no."

On protecting signals
"We do. But we like to keep our methods private so we can continue to be successful."

How difficult would it be to figure something out?
"It depends on a lot of issues. It depends on the degree your opponents are willing to go to to protect themselves. It depends on who you have potentially doing something like that. We don't spend a lot of time worrying about things of that nature, but we are sharp enough to protect ourselves versus the potential of something like that happening against us. Really, it's nothing new. When you see offensive coordinators covering their mouth - and that's been going on a long time -- that's one of the reasons why that's done."

If the Patriots are proved to be cheating, should the punishment be harsh and should there be a mark next to their Super Bowl wins?
"I'll let Roger Goodell deal with that. My job is to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers and get ready to play the Buffalo Bills. I'm a guy who gets single-minded this time of year. I can live in a box from time to time. I'll wait and see what comes out of New York in regards to that situation."

In regards to the rumors before, were they limited to New England?
"A lot has been said about the New England guys and New England family, if you will. You focus on the variables that you can control; the men that you work with, your preparation; your performance, at least I do. I don't worry about those things."