The latest Jets-Patriots controversy over a video camera took yet another twist today, when Patriots coach Bill Belichick told NBCsports.com that the Jets did not ask for permission to use a second endzone camera in their playoff game last season.
“I was never asked for permission, nor was anyone in our video department asked for permission for a second endzone camera,” Belichick said after his news briefing today.
It is the first time Belichick has directly addressed the situation over last year's playoff game, which was first reported by Newsday on Wednesday. We reported that a Jets' cameraman was removed from an endzone video position when Gillette Stadium security noticed him filming the playoff game.
Jets coach Eric Mangini said on Wednesday that the Jets had requested and received persmission to use the second endzone camera, which is allowed by the NFL.
It's just further evidence that the league really does need to impose more formal rules for the second endzone camera. Currently, the NFL leaves it up to individual clubs to use a second endzone camera to film games. As long as both teams have the ability to use the cameras, then either or both teams can use them.
Belichick's contention that the Jets never asked for permission in the first place leaves a big enough gray area that the league needs to close any potential loophole.
Jets public relations director Bruce Speight said "we will agreed to disagree" on the issue of whether the Jets received permission to use the second camera.
Comments (1)
I'm a Pats fan, so you can imagine how hypocritical the Jets suddenly appear - if Belichick is telling the truth. If you grant that. then the Pats caught the Jets cheating and didn't drop the dime, but when the reverse happens, Mangini goes running to Mommy commish. How deliciously ironic.