the verdict is in

my own personal thoughts:
i hate what Bill Belichick has brought down upon the Patriots, and yes, i hold him responsible. it's not fair to the players. it's not fair to the fans. and it's not fair to the game of football. he has taken what was a golden era in New England & dragged it through the mud. he has so blemished the reputation of this team, that i hope i never hear anyone claim the Patriots not being respected again. gone are the days of mystique & dynasty. we are now in an age of shame & suspicion, with no one to blame but the man we once looked at with awe for his genius on the field. enough with the drama. the consequences have been levied and i wholeheartedly support them. i only hope that the point has been made, the lesson learned, and that the nonsense will stop so we can get back to the business of playing football.
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Here is the final ruling from the NFL:

Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the NFL. That is the maximum amount under the NFL Constitution and By-Laws for violating league policy last Sunday on the use of equipment to videotape an opposing team’s offensive or defensive signals.

The Patriots have been fined $250,000 by the NFL.

The Patriots will give up their first-round pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, they will surrender their second- and third-round picks.

Belichick will not be suspended.

“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."
(from Reiss' Pieces)