Naw, its rediculous to think this is going to damage the Patriots. Doesnt hurt them at all really. Think it just sends a message more than anything.1st rounder doesn't hurt that much as long as its theirs. Their 1st rounder will probably be 29 or 30 at highest. If they get to keep Cleveland's 1st rounder (that will be Top 5) than it really doesnt hurt them much.
The 500K is like a drop in the bucket and meaningless, losing the 1st rounder really does sting I'm sure but no suspension is the big news.
wil..
Mclaren just got fined 100 million and they act like they could care less. The Patriots are making so much money, I think they have a hard time keeping up on the counting.I don't know Wil, a half a million we're talking! What does BB make? The Kraftys will probably pick up that tab but alot of $$$ I expected they woiuld suspend him from coaching the rematch with NYJ's - that would have made more sense. The #1 pick is pretty harsh no matter how you cut, a heavy penalty for gaining so little. Like everyone else said, they did not need this. THe bigger thing here is that they are establishing precedent for any other team who is also doing it or thinking about it. In the end I don't have a problem with fine, just harsh and had it been a middle-fiddle team the fine is not so severe.
Mclaren just got fined 100 million and they act like they could care less. The Patriots are making so much money, I think they have a hard time keeping up on the counting.
This also can just be the kind the thing that can bring a team together with the old us against the world philosophy.
Personally I find it hard to believe they are even favorites this week against a very strong Chargers team. The proof of the pudding could come as early as this Sunday regarding how good this team is. Of course regardless of the outcome this week, if Brady stays healthy it will be hard for them to not win the AFC East but how far they go in the playoffs is a question we may get a clue to as early as week two.
wil..