NFL fines Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000 and team $250,000 for spying on opponent

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Bill Belichick is ready for his close-up.

The Patriots' coach escaped suspension for using a video camera to spy on opposing coaches, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell deciding instead on Thursday night to fine him $500,000 and dock the team $250,000 and a first-day draft pick next year.

It was the biggest fine ever for a coach and the first time in NFL history a first-round draft pick has been confiscated as a penalty. But Belichick will be on the sideline on Sunday night, as planned, when the Patriots play the San Diego Chargers.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell wrote in a letter to the team. "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."

Goodell found the Patriots guilty of using videotape to try to steal the New York Jets' signals during Sunday's game. He ordered New England to surrender next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs, and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't.

Both the NFL and Belichick stressed that the camera was seized before the end of the first quarter and had no impact on the game, which the Patriots won 38-14.

"This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field," Goodell wrote.

The NFL statement said Goodell believed owner Robert Kraft was unaware of Belichick's actions. But the commissioner penalized the club because of Belichick's "substantial control over all aspects of New England's football operations."

"His actions and decisions are properly attributed to the club," Goodell said.

Reached at his home, Kraft declined to comment.

In a statement issued two hours after the punishment was announced, Belichick said he misinterpreted the league's rules but acknowledged that "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."

"I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling," the statement said. "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."

The Jets said they "support the commissioner and his findings."