The former Rams head coach has absolved the NFL in its handling of the Spygate controversy. And in the process, he took a swipe at former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh, who told commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday that he showed up at the Rams' walkthrough the day before the 2002 Super Bowl wearing Patriots clothing.
"I had the opportunity to talk to Commissioner (Roger) Goodell (Wednesday) and I was very satisfied with the NFL's efforts to investigate the situation with Matt Walsh as it related to Super Bowl XXXVI," Martz said in a statement released by the 49ers, where Martz is the offensive coordinator. "I'm very confident there was no impropriety. I believed Bill Belichick when he said there wasn't and I took that at face value.
"Let me make this clear we lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl because we turned the ball over three times. If there was anything obtained from our walk-thru from a casual observer that happened to be present, then that was just part of those walk-thrus and that environment. What I've said all along and what my only concerns were A): If the walk-thru was filmed or B): If it was purposely scouted for information. If so, then that is an issue that the league needs to pursue. I'm very satisfied that this was not the situation in this instance whatsoever.
"I was stunned at Matt Walsh's allegation that he was on the sideline in New England Patriots apparel during our walk-thru. I find that insulting, disturbing and a slap in the face to both our team security and NFL security, who both do outstanding jobs. I promise you that if he was on the sideline, he was not in New England Patriots apparel because he would have
been identified.
"This whole issue is based on statements made by Matt Walsh, and I think we
have to understand that.
"I'm very grateful for Commissioner Goodell to take the time to talk to me about this. It's time to put this situation behind us."