Amidst the re-opening of the Spygate controversy I ask one question, should we get the asterisk ready for the Patriots dynasty?

As the government begins it’s investigation into the matter I think many (ugly) details of this operation are going to be uncovered, whether the NFL or the Patriots like it or not. Let’s face it, there’s a good chance that Goodell buried the evidence because what was on those tapes could have in fact been damaging to the integrity of the game.

David Stern had to steer the NBA through the mud with the whole referee betting scandal and it’s safe to say he did a good job because nobody is really talking about it anymore. Stern addressed the issue many times publicly and was steadfast in his defense of the NBA and the way they run their business.

Bud Selig (with help from others) had to do the same with MLB and the whole steroid controversy. Selig’s contract was just extended as baseball commissioner and (aside from me) there wasn’t too much controversy surrounding that. For the most part the public feels that they’ve been well informed on this steroid issue, the game is cleaning up because of it, and it’s time to move forward.

This brings us to Roger Goodell and the NFL. Goodell and the Patriots maintained that their “illegal” video practice focused on videotaping defensive signals and collating these with the on-field plays. Sure this is unethical and could be considered cheating but it’s really not that different than paying someone to sit in the stands and write them down. I’m sure many teams do variations of this, if you’re not bending the rules then you’re not trying. $750k in fines and a 1st round draft pick later I was content with the punishment handed down by the league and ready to move forward.

However with recent news of the Patriots allegedly videotaping the Rams’ final walk-through practice before the Super Bowl in 2002 I’m a little concerned. Couple that with former Pats’ video department employee Matt Walsh and his claim that he has information that will “embarrass the NFL and the Patriots” and I’m really concerned.

It makes you wonder when you look at Belichick’s record after the bye week. Was it really an extra week of practice or simply an extra week to breakdown video of the other team and know exactly what they’re throwing at you? Being in the right place at the right time on occasion is one thing but being in the right place at the right time at all times is a little fishy.

Based on how involved Congress became with MLB and the steroid issue it’s safe to conclude that you and me will not have to speculate on what they did/didn’t do for very long. If there’s one thing the government can do it’s investigate and I’m sure they’re clamoring to get their hands on Matt Walsh. Walsh figures to be a Brian McNamee of sorts as it relates to Spygate. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.

I wonder if the Patriots are worried about this. Will Belichick send someone on a blitz after Walsh in hopes of intercepting him before the Feds do? Based on previous history there’s a good chance Bill is monitoring Mr. Walsh via hidden via camera right now. Sounds like a season of 24.

In all seriousness if these allegations are true what should the punishment be? In college sports teams lose games/titles when violations occur so precedent has been set albeit at a lower level. Is there any possibility that if Spygate turns really sour that the league would be forced to strip the Pats’ of all their success?