Belichick accepts punishment, responsibility for 'mistake'

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Text of the statement from New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick after he was fined $500,000 for taping an opponent's signals:

"I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling. Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career.

"As the Commissioner acknowledged, our use of sideline video had no impact on the outcome of last week's game. We have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.

"Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the Constitution and Bylaws was incorrect.

"With tonight's resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday's game."