Tuesday, March 11, 2008

What Will Video Spygate Reveal?

Former New England Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh, the main figure in the "Spygate" controversy, may be ready to talk to officials from the NFL.
The Boston Globe reported Monday that Walsh, who has asked for immunity from the league, and the NFL are nearing an agreement that would allow him to come forward and tell what he knows. And evidently, he must know something that could prove damaging to the Patriots. Otherwise, why would he be asking for immunity?
Five weeks ago, Walsh told the Globe that he possessed possible damaging information about the Patriots' videotaping.
Walsh's testimony could help NFL commissioner Roger Goodell complete his investigation into allegations that the Patriots filmed opponents' signals. For the past month, however, attorneys on each side have been unable to come to an agreement.
The fact is that it’s becoming quite clear the Patriots didn’t just videotape a few practices and games illegally. We’re going to learn a lot more real soon and I think the evidence might shock some folks.
The question is –what will the NFL do once they get the information they’ve been waiting for? Will Walsh waffle and fold under pressure, or will he tell all he knows and reveal exactly how rampant the Patriots’ videotaping was? Furthermore, will it show that the Pats’ had an advantage by videotaping?
"In the last seven days, the lawyers have had intensive and constructive discussions regarding some new and promising approaches," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement released Monday by the league.
"They have made substantial progress toward and agreement that will allow Mr. Walsh to be interviewed. Both sides are optimistic that any remaining issues can be addressed successfully."
Monday's announcement contradicts comments made by Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, who told the New York Times that the NFL does not want to speak with Walsh.
Specter, who has been highly critical of the NFL's handling of the situation, wants Goodell to release letters exchanged between the league and Walsh's attorneys, according to a report in the Times.
Two days prior to Super Bowl XLII, Specter questioned the quality of the NFL's investigation of the Patriots' videotaping practices and Goodell's decision to destroy evidence uncovered by the league earlier this season.
Goodell fined New England coach Bill Belichick $500,000, fined the team $250,000 and took away a first-round draft pick after the Patriots were accused of videotaping defensive coaches of the New York Jets in the season opener September 9.

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