The New England Patriots’ infamous label of being involved in scandals isn’t going away anytime soon. On Sunday, they were penalized for filming teams.
The NFL fined the Patriots $1.1 million and took away a third-round pick in next year’s draft as punishment for their television crew filming the field and sideline during a Dec. 8 game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
The’ Patriots TV crew also won’t be able to shoot any games in 2020 and senior club officials will have required training on league operation and game policies.
In addition to the penalties, the NFL also banned David Mondillo, who was terminated by the Patriots before the NFL’s discipline.
The crew was credentialed by the Browns to shoot video for the Patriots’ web series “Do Your Job,” but neither the Bengals nor the NFL were informed. The Patriots have admitted that the crew filmed the field and sideline inappropriately.
“The sole purpose of the filming was to provide an illustration of an advance scout at work on the road,” the Patriots said in a statement. “There was no intention of using footage for any other purpose.”
Statement from the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/rhXdwVvnr8
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 10, 2019
The Patriots won’t challenge or appeal the penalties.
