No shock that Specter calls for Spygate investigation
Well, it's not surprising that Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter didn't come away from his interview with Matt Walsh quite as satisfied as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that that there's no more to be learned about Spygate.
During a press conference today, Specter called for an independent investigation similar to baseball's investigation of performance enhancing drug use conducted by former Sen. George Mitchell. Specter mentioned that during yesterday's questioning of Matt Walsh by the NFL that a New England Patriots attorney participated. Specter mentioned the lack of discussion about video taping activities between 2002 and 2005. And he tossed out a reminder of the inconsistent release of information by the NFL early in its inquiry.
Note that Specter called for what would amount to an investigation initiated by the NFL and conducted by an independent investigator a la Mitchell. For now, the Specter only hinted at marshaling government resources regarding the issue. Considering Goodell shrugged his shoulders and said yesterday that he had nowhere else to turn, he could argue that an independent investigator would likewise have nowhere else to turn. And remember, the Mitchell investigation, without subpoena power, only got the traction it did because of help from federal investigators who themselves were investigating drug-related offenses.
None of that is even remotely the case here.
For all the criticism Specter has gotten for his Comcast connections in taking on the NFL, I think he has been good for the fan. For instance, if it weren't for Specter and Sen. Pat Leahy of Vermont pushing the right buttons, much of the country would not have seen the Patriots-Giants historic regular-season game. And Specter's vigilance on the issue of the NFL honoring its end of the longstanding anti-trust bargain long predates the fight between the cable TV industry and the NFL Network.
But I expect in this case that Goodell will basically thank the senator for his interest and ignore the independent investigation suggestion as best he can.
Comments
Great...now we are comparing a US drug policy to a NFL rule. Steroids are illlegal in the US except for medical reasons. Videotaping opposing coaches signal from the SIDELINE is only illegal in the NFL. Note that they can tape coaches signal, just not from the SIDELINE.
Why don't we have an investigation into the corruption at Capitol Hill.
Posted by: Xay | May 14, 2008 4:55 PM
No kidding, Xay.
We're trying to make a federal case about an internal organization's crime -- a harmless crime that has already been resolved internally. While we're grateful to "Leaky" Leahy and Arlen "Which Way Is the Wind Blowing Today?" Specter's intervention regarding the Giants/Pats game, nonetheless, this is a ridiculous waste of time and energy when there are literally hundreds of other things -- better things -- to spend taxpayer dollars on.
Posted by: Brian | May 14, 2008 6:52 PM
$500,000 + from Comcast and Specter wants an investigation of the NFL'S conflict of interest??????
Posted by: Shmessy | May 14, 2008 8:42 PM
I dont recall this kind of media attention, when the Cubs were caught video taping pitcher/catcher signals through a hidden window.
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Capt.,
I think that comes under the heading of no harm, no foul.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | May 15, 2008 3:30 PM