NFL statement on Matt Walsh
The NFL released the following statement today:
"An agreement has been completed between the NFL and Matt Walsh that will allow Mr. Walsh, a former videotape operator with the New England Patriots, to share with the NFL information about activities occurring during his employment with the club from 1997-2003.
Commissioner Goodell will meet with Mr. Walsh in the commissioner’s office on Tuesday, May 13, the earliest date that Mr. Walsh, who lives in Hawaii, will be available on the east coast.
The agreement also requires Mr. Walsh to return any tapes and other items in his possession that belong to the Patriots. In return, the NFL and the Patriots have promised not to sue Mr. Walsh. They also will indemnify him for any expenses, including legal fees that he incurs in connection with the interview.
Commissioner Goodell determined last September that the Patriots had violated league rules by videotaping opposing coaches' defensive signals during Patriots games throughout Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach. Coach Belichick admitted to his use of the taping practice on a regular basis as a result of what he said was his misinterpretation of the rule.
Commissioner Goodell imposed substantial discipline on Coach Belichick and the club as a result of that practice. The interview with Mr. Walsh will seek to determine whether he has any new information about that videotaping practice or other possible violations of league rules.
Following the meeting with Mr. Walsh on May 13, there will be a news media briefing later that day in New York that will be attended by Commissioner Goodell."
Hoo boy ... the story that just won't die.
Am I wrong to be incredibly nervous about this?
At least its *after* the draft.
Belichick wasn't with the Pats from 1997-1999. He became coach in 2000. What gives?
Can I sue this Walsh character for wasting my time?
This guy is really a piece of work. Walsh stating that the earliest he can be on the east coast is May 13. Am I missing something here, the guy sttes he has the info, negotiates an unprecendented deal and then thumbs his nose at all who have been waiting. How about this solution. Goodell forward the jerk a RT ticket and meet with him Friday. I'll bet Mr. Kraft would even loan his private jet. Whats with the delay, is this guy Tiger Woods caddy. This is ridiculous.
WorriedGlasgow - I dont think there is any reason to be concerned. If the evidence was more damning to the Pats then Walsh himself, he would have volunteered it long ago. My guess is he has a couple of def. signal tapings and perhaps his own work, but given that the guy was practically a nobody in the organization, I doubt he would have any information of value.
When the first wave of "spygate" hit, i got a sick feeling in my stomach. When I heard about this guy, i thought, here come the people trying to get their 15 minutes of fame..
Worried?
In the worst case, Walsh has a videotape. The Pats will say that Walsh did not make the tape at their instructions. Indeed, had he done so, it would not make sense for Walsh to have the copy himself. Rather, if he had made the tape for the Pats, he would have given it to the Pats.
Nothing will be resolved. It'll still be Walsh's word vs. Belichick's.
I guess now we will find out what many people have suspected that Belichick is lyin,' cheatin', bum of a coach.
go home Fred ! How bad did Bill beat ur team last year with out any tape? ur the bum
I remember BB and others saying they aren't even sure they ever personally spoke to the guy...he was low man on the totem pole and I doubt he has anything of substance.
Be there in 2 days or don't come at all. Why doesn't the NFL have the balls to say something like this. This is like letting the inmate run the asylum.
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