The New England Patriots' alleged history of cheating may be more widespread than originally thought, suggests a report from ESPN's "Outside The Lines."
The report, which cites interviews with nearly 100 NFL sources, focuses mainly on the "Spygate" investigation (which eventually resulted in fines and the loss of a Patriots' first-round draft pick).
Among the other allegations:
- The Patriots videotaped opposing signals for seven years and "at least 40 games."
- Patriots staffers would sneak into the opposing team's dressing room and steal the script for the first 20 or so offensive plays.
- Patriots staffers would pillage opposing teams' hotel rooms looking for materials related to game plans.
- The radio communication between opposing coaches and quarterbacks would cut out in key game situations at Gillette Stadium.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pressured teams not to make a big deal out of the soft punishment the Patriots received for "Spygate" out of fear of damaging the league's image.
The report suggests the harsh punishment handed down from Goodell to the Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady in the "Deflategate" investigation was a direct response the "Spygate" punishment, calling it a "makeup call" for the NFL.
The Patriots issued a strongly worded response to the report, calling many of the allegations "unfounded, unwarranted" and saying it's "disappointing that some choose to believe in myths."
