Patriots Rumored To Have Been Filming Bengals Sidelines

At his press conference today, Bengals HC Zac Taylor was asked about a situation regarding their press box. A reporter mentioned that there were rumors of a Patriots’ employee recording the Cincinnati Bengals sideline. Taylor said he was aware of an incident, but he could not comment due to the league’s investigation.

“Rumors are out there that the Patriots had a videographer in the Bengals press box area… taking video of the Bengals sideline. Do you have any reaction to that?”

“…the league is investigating it, so I’ve got no comment.”

Here we go… pic.twitter.com/85BjpHXqCU

— Tucker Boynton (@Tucker_TnL) December 9, 2019

This completely came out left field. Everyone will remember the SpyGate controversy where the Patriots were allegedly caught recording and “stealing” signals of teams’ sidelines. The Patriots were stripped of their first round pick in 2008, and head coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000.

Since the press conference, media members have reached out to sources and have found reason for the staff member being there. The Patriots have been producing a video series titled “Do Your Job” this season. These episodes have followed nutritionists and training staffs to show some of the behind the scenes work of being in the NFL. Apparently, New England was interview a scout from the Browns (who the Bengals were playing this week). The Patriots, reportedly, had permission from the Browns to be there. It also appears that they were in the Browns press box instead of the Bengals.

An explanation, via a source informed of the #Patriots situation: The team reached out to the #Browns for a credential for a videographer to shoot a behind-the-scenes piece on an advanced scout. A day in the life. They’ve done “Do Your Job” pieces on several other facets (1/2).

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2019

More on #Patriots/#Bengals situation (2/2): These "Do Your Job” pieces have been on training staff, equipment, etc. The videographer shot B-roll in the press box. The Pats didnt ask the league until afterward, tho they did inform the #Browns (who had the home game) vs. #Bengals

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2019

My understanding of how this played out: A #Bengals scout noticed the videotaping in the #Browns press box. He alerted a #Bengals executive, who alerted NFL Security, which spoke with the #Patriots employees and obtained the video. https://t.co/IrNbSZbR44

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2019

It makes no sense that the Patriots would be filming the sidelines of the Bengals. I understand New England’s offense has struggled, but they don’t need to stealing signals from a 1-12 team. Beyond that, if Belichick was “caught cheating” again, he would suspended for at least a full year if not much longer. The team would also lose multiple picks. It would be the heaviest penalty ever dealt to a team. That’s why I have to believe that the “Do Your Job” explanation has to be true. I don’t think the Patriots were filming the Bengals. The risk is not worth the reward, especially in this game.

*UPDATE* @ 5:36 PM ET

the Bengals employee flagged media relations. Bengals security then interviewed the Kraft videographer. This was also taped. The cameraman asked if they could just delete the footage and it all be forgotten per sources

— Dianna (@diannaESPN) December 9, 2019

Most play calls are radioed in, some aren't. There are advantages to filming a sideline of a 1st year head coach, and 1st year DC. Radio and signaling work in concert. So the base play will come thru the headset, adjustments will be made by signaling.

— Dianna (@diannaESPN) December 9, 2019

This new information makes it sound worse. If this source is credible then it sounds a lot like there could be some stuff on the tape. I could also see it being a situation of an employee being nervous about being questioned. I’m not really sure what to think. We should have word within 24 hours, I’d assume. How long can it take to view a tape?

@Mike_Masala