As The SpyGate Turns

When Charlie Weis was asked about New England being caught illegally taping during a game against the New York Jets in the first week of the NFL season, the former Patriots offensive coordinator expressed relief he wasn't in New England for it.
"I'm glad I'm not involved in that scenario at this time," Weis said during his weekly chat with the media on Sept. 11. "Though I have placed a couple of phone calls that said 'you brightened up my day and brought a smile to my face.' But other than that, I'm not touching that one with a 10-foot pole."
Now, with new allegations surfacing saying the Patriots may have illegally taped a walk-through before New England's Super Bowl victory over St. Louis, Weis might not be joking about it anymore.
Again, much of what is being reported now is speculation, but if it ends up being true, the obvious next question is how much -- if any -- Weis had to do with the taping and how much could be taken from it.
Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter initially brought up the new round of SpyGate talks when he questioned why NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had the tapes of the Jets-Patriots taping destroyed.
At this point, these are merely accusations -- but if it grows, expect Weis to receive more questions about it, whether Weis had anything to do with it or not.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[R. Michael McNulty]

Mike:

With all due respect, it seems you're a bit off base here. Are you not attempting to create news based on the speculation to which you referred? I have no issue with good reporting whether the end result be positive or negative to the subject. I do have issues with the type of situation described in this particular column. "If it grows, expect Weis to to...." Reading that prompts me to think you are attempting to "grow" the issue.

R. Michael McNulty

[DocPossum]

Fact not speculation is the journalistic guide.

[Hal]

In other words: Do some reporting.
This is not an article. It's an idea for an article.

[OC Domer]

Slow news day Michael? Why would you drag Charlie Weis' name into this controversy? It hasn't even been established for certain that the alleged incident took place at all, and there has been nothing reported that would even hint at any involvement by Charlie Weis. ND basketball is in the Top 25, football recruit signing day is tomorrow, it's Super Tuesday election day, and you come up with this speculation? That's just lazy, sensationalist garbage.

[Knute Rockne]

If I'm not mistaken, the tapes - if they exist - were made with the intention of recording St. Louis' offensive formations. Weis called offensive plays, not defensive plays.

Regardless, if Weis was part of any shenanigans, he should come clean. Until anyone accuses him of anything, though, the intent of this article is a little confusing.

Its an interesting angle, and something that occurred to me as well. I just didn't put it in writing. ;)

[NDPeter]

Good point about the offensive/defensive angle Knute. I hadn't seen that elsewhere yet.

In regards to the other comments. I think it would be good to remember that this blog doesn't consist of articles. Articles would be published in the Journal Gazette and are indeed based on more than speculation and less on opinion.

This however is a blog last I checked and a place where Michael can share this info and speculation. In other words, this can be regarded as water cooler talk, and all of you could go start your own blog and do the same. Mr. Rothstein just happens to have access to ND football the rest of us don't and so it makes for an interesting read.

[Weismantel '62]

Just a reminder for some of you fellows who remember a real ND football fan in Fr. Art Harvey, CSC. Fr. Art passed away on Monday evening at Holy Cross House at age 97. At ND, he was in charge of the University Theater but was oh, such a ND football fan. He used to hold his play rehearsals on Sundays later in the day, which used to upset the SMC nuns who wanted him to hold them around 1 pm so their girls would not be out late. His reason was simple....he didn't want to miss an interhall game between Sorin and Dillon that started at 1pm...but Walsh was his favorite team. Starting later allowed him to see some of his fellows on another playing field.
Rest in peace, padre. It was a fun ride. You certainly gave your all to ND. Thanks from those of us you touched.
gw

[henry]

you guys are coming down hard on rothstein but the truth is this is actual news.

this spygate business looks to get worse before it gets better, and if these older allegations are true, it could mean that Charlie gets talked to, hopefully not subpoenaed.

stop shooting the messenger and give rothstein a break-- hes reporting actual news developments and their possible implications on ND.

[Joe Schaefer]

Appears you never played baseball beyond Little League. Stealing signs, remember? Where is the offense? violation? Show me!