Here's the official punishment handed down by the NFL:
Quote:
The Patriots will lose their 2008 first-round choice if they make the playoffs, Belichick loses $500,000 and the Patriots will be fined $250,000. The only thing that might have been missing is a possible suspension, and that is the only thing that Goodell might have neglected.
Goodell said he considered a suspension, but he felt the draft choice penalty and the fines have a more lasting effect on the franchise. That's a fine premise, but spying affects the outcome of individual games. Taking Belichick out of one game could affect the Patriots' chances of making the playoffs. For example, he's still coaching Sunday's game against the Chargers, and if he wins, he will have a potential home-field tie-breaker if the two teams finish with the same record.
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ESPN - Clayton: Belichick penalty too light - NFL
I think Belichick should have been suspended for at least a handful of games.