We saw this coming, New England Patriots, Penalized in the 2007-08 NFL Football Season for Spying

Yep, somehow, this sort of thing only happens to teams who don't have a chance whatsoever winning games.

Which makes you wonder why the New England Patriots had to resort to this to start the 2007-08 NFL football season. In case you missed it, the Patriots had a cameraman spying on the New York Jets defensive coaches, of course, the Pats won convincingly, 38-14.

As a result, the NFL fined the New England Patriots $250,000 and if for some reason they fail to make the playoffs, they will also forfeit their second and third round 2008 draft picks.

Although NFL commissioner Roger Goodell does not believe the New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, had something to do with the spying scandal, he penalized the team anyway just because Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has ''substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations.''

And probably because Goodell, along with everybody else, just plain hates the guy.

''I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick,'' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell 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.''

The rather personal vendetta against the New England Patriots head coach is the harshest punishment ever handed down to an NFL football head coach.

It is a clear rebuke to a coach who, after winning three Super Bowl titles in the last six years and considered as one of the best coaches in the game, generated a lot of detractors because of his rather aloof lifestyle.

You just know these Patriots will get their asses creamed for sure having the tough San Diego Chargers next. Although I'll still be rooting for them Patriots because of my boy Randy Moss.

AcesAce sportsbook has the odds on who will win Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona.

Indianapolis Colts EVEN +800

Chicago Bears EVEN +1500

New England Patriots EVEN +250

Oakland Raiders EVEN +8000

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Bill Belichick New England Patriots