ScrappleFace: News Fairly Unbalanced. We Report. You Decipher




Top Stories...




ACLU: NFL Patriots Also Spied on Fans in Stands

by Scott Ott · 55 Comments

(2007-09-14) — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) today filed suit against the NFL New England Patriots franchise claiming that video spying operations, purportedly aimed at their on-field opponents, actually cast a wider net than the team has thus far acknowledged.

“We plan to prove that Coach Bill Belichick also spied on fans in the stands,” said an unnamed ACLU spokesman. “The coach would like you to believe he was just trying to win the game, but if winning the game means violating the civil rights and privacy of ordinary Americans, then victory is not worth the price.”

The ACLU source said a closer look at the video will show not only captured play signals from opposing coaches, but also intercepted private hand-signals sent from fans to hot dog vendors, as well as to friends sitting in other sections of the stadium, or watching the game from home.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, whose erstwhile home-state New York Jets lost to New England on Sunday, said concern for civil rights violations has spurred her to introduce legislation this week designed to counter the Patriots’ act.

Post This to Your Facebook Post This to Your Facebook

Share This | Print This Story Print This Story | RSS Feed

Related Stories...
Subscribe to ScrappleFace Updates:
Get free instant notice when new story posted. Emails contain unsubscribe link. Cancel anytime.

Tags: Politics · Sports · U.S. News

55 responses so far ↓

  • 1 woodnwheel // Sep 14, 2007 at 12:00 pm

    God Bless America!

    What can I say? Another excellent item!

  • 2 Hawkeye // Sep 14, 2007 at 12:31 pm

    Sen. Hillary Clinton… said concern for civil rights violations has spurred her to introduce legislation this week designed to counter the Patriots’ act.

    Great line Scott! Love it!

    (:D) Best regards…

  • 3 Fred Sinclair // Sep 14, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    In her grilling of General Petraeus, Senator Mrs. Bill Clinton used the expression; “Willing suspension of disbelief” Does or doesn’t this qualify as a double negative? This states that there exists disbelief (it must exist for there to be something to suspend). For them to set aside (suspend) disbelief would mean that with disbelief no longer present - they believe.

    I don’t believe that they believed, so it would seem she “misspoke”. Or is this an example of George Orwell’s “Doublespeak”.

    Heirborn Ranger

  • 4 nylecoj // Sep 14, 2007 at 1:28 pm

    How funny, I sure would not want my hotdog orders spied upon. Hawkeye I agree, that quote you pulled out made the story.

  • 5 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 14, 2007 at 1:32 pm

    Oh my!?!?!

  • 6 Roguet55 // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Another Classic Scott!

    Maybe she (Pilliary) can have the win set aside!
    What more could the Senator do for her constituants?
    (maybe fall into an ice crevice and save us all a lot of future horror)

  • 7 boberinyetagain // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    If they were true Patriots they would withdraw from the field…with honor

  • 8 Roguet55 // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    on an aside thread, ACLU-Hilliary-Patraeus-
    Anyone see that email going around with Casey Sheehans grave site still without a headstone?
    If its true what is the “Peace Mom” thinking?
    What a pathetic situation if true!

  • 9 Hawkeye // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:25 pm

    boberin #7,
    Is there such a thing as surrender with honor?

  • 10 boberinyetagain // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:38 pm

    Hawkeye, ah there’s the rub. I made no mention of surrender, merely withdrawl. If done gracefully then honor could be associated with it.
    It wouldn’t be easy but then the even CIC is fond of mentioning the “hard work” involved with his job.
    Perhaps we could negotiate with Belichik? Nah, we don’t negotiate with anyone. Let’s just kill him and hope no one takes his place. That oughtta do it!

  • 11 Hawkeye // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    Scott… I’m confused.

    Sen. Hillary Clinton, whose erstwhile home-state New York Jets

    Definition: erst·while (ûrsthwl, -wl)
    adv. - In the past; at a former time; formerly.
    adj. - Former

    Is this a reference to the New York Jets formerly being from the State of New York but who now play at the Meadowlands in NJ? Or, is it a suggestion that Hillary used to be from the State of New York? Or, is it a suggestion that the New York Jets were formerly from the State of Arkansas or Illinois (Hillary’s former home states)? Or perhaps Hillary was a former NY Jet?

    Inquiring minds need to know… :smile:

  • 12 boberinyetagain // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:40 pm

    Maybe Belechik could be negotiated with?
    Nah, we aren’t into that sort of thing, a waste of time

  • 13 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:41 pm

    BREAKING NEWS!

    …..White Ford Bronco Leads Freeway Car Chase…..

  • 14 Hawkeye // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:47 pm

    boberin #10,
    Ahhhh… the old “graceful” withdrawal! I get it now. That’s where the troops leave with a bow and a curtsey… or perhaps they leave dancing to the Minuet or a Waltz. Very graceful. Just so long as they don’t leave screaming, “Run away! Run away!”

    Do you think Obama’s proposed one brigade per month withdrawal can manage to graceful? I mean… it takes time to learn the Minuet. :smile:

  • 15 boberinyetagain // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    sorry for the double up, the first post didn’t rear it’s head for a while….

  • 16 boberinyetagain // Sep 14, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    They would need to keep the right pinky finger raised the entire time. Now that take discipline!
    Or, leave at night.

  • 17 camojack // Sep 14, 2007 at 3:58 pm

    “Patriots’ act”?

    Heh. Too funny… :lol:

  • 18 da Bunny // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:07 pm

    It’s unconscionable that Belichick should have knowledge of the number of hot dogs or beers any given fan may have indulged in. A true civil rights violation, if ever there was one!

  • 19 Just Ranting // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    Bober re: #7

    That is the first time you ever made me laugh out loud. Very funny!

  • 20 Just Ranting // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:27 pm

    OT

    I had a chance to listen to Rick Santorum’s address to a Focus on the Family audience today. He was speaking about the dangers this country is facing from Islamo-facisim and Leftist in Central and South America.

    If this guy ran for President I’d back him totally. I hope whoever the Republican nominee is he will pick him as his running mate. He is articulate on international and domestic issues, and has a real vision.

    http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2007-9-13

  • 21 Shelly // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:38 pm

    I must concur, that last sentence is brilliant.

    Will the NY Slimes offer discounts on lies and attacks regarding this coach as well? Could save the Jets about $124,000 like they did Soros.

  • 22 onlineanalyst // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Hidden surveillance cameras were actually known to have caught attendees in the stands mouthing, “Hi, Mom!”

  • 23 Shelly // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:42 pm

    Also, I’d have to agree with Hawkeye that “withdrawal with honor” was tried once and shown to be anything but. I am quite happy, though, to now be talking about “returning on success.”

  • 24 Tinman // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:46 pm

    Bob: Some synonyms for withdrawal.
    Main Entry: withdrawal

    Roget’s New Millennium™ Thesaurus - Cite This Source
    desertion
    Part of Speech: noun
    Definition: abandonment
    Synonyms: abrogation, absconding, apostasy, avoidance, backsliding, betrayal, castoff, defecting, departing, departure, derelict, dereliction, disaffection, disavowal, disavowing, divorce, elusion, escape, evasion, falling away, falseness, flight, forsaking, leaving, maroon, perfidy, recreancy, relinquishment, renunciation, repudiation, resignation, retirement, retreat, secession, tergiversation, treachery, truancy, withdrawal
    Source: Roget’s New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.3.1)
    Copyright © 2007 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

    Also
    Roget’s New Millennium™ Thesaurus - Cite This Source
    Main Entry: resignation
    Part of Speech: noun 1
    Definition: relinquishment
    Synonyms: abandonment, abdication, departure, giving up, leaving, notice, quitting, renunciation, retirement, surrender, tendering, termination, vacating, withdrawal
    Source: Roget’s New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.3.1)
    Copyright © 2007 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • 25 Possumtrot // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:50 pm

    Give me some help if you can: I woke up with a strange dicotomy:

    I can vote for an actor who has tired his hand at politics [Fred Thompson], or I can try my luck at a politician who has tried to be an actor [Rudy Giuliani, and I hope I got the spelling right.]

  • 26 gafisher // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:50 pm

    “Withdrawal with Honor” is what you do after you’ve finished the job.
    It’s exactly what we should want.

  • 27 gafisher // Sep 14, 2007 at 5:00 pm

    Possumtrot Re#25: History favors actors who’ve played cowboys and worked with chimps as best qualified to deal with rogue states and Democrats. But if we’re willing to widen the field a bit, somebody who was able to clean up the mess Clinton left in Arkansas looks like he could be the best current choice.

  • 28 camojack // Sep 14, 2007 at 5:37 pm

    I can vote for an actor who has tired his hand at politics [Fred Thompson], or I can try my luck at a politician who has tried to be an actor [Rudy Giuliani, and I hope I got the spelling right.]
    Comment by Possumtrot — September 14, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

    Dude…they’re all actors. Some are just better than others.

  • 29 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 14, 2007 at 5:42 pm

    Gregory Arkadin: Baroness, a fool is a man who pays twice for the same thing.

  • 30 Possumtrot // Sep 14, 2007 at 7:06 pm

    With their track record of obstructionism and bad-mouthing, do you think I’d wave the Democritter flag for five seconds? I recognize that we’re based upon free speech and the loosey-goosey ideal of free opinion; on the other hand, you are asking for it.

    These people tire me before I can gain strength between chemotherapy sessions. It takes termendous restraint and respect for Great Scott’s standards to keep from outright calling these people by the vulgar names that apply.

    The dishonor done to General Petraus is beyond comment; it only results in obscene cussing and muttering.

    We see The Left, the liberal candidates for pesident, and The Beast for what it is.

    There are always comments at United Possums International. I haven’t yet warmed up to dishonoring general officers of our army, but I’ll probably get there.

  • 31 Possumtrot // Sep 14, 2007 at 7:07 pm

    With their track record of obstructionism and bad-mouthing, do you think I’d wave the Democritter flag for five seconds? I recognize that we’re based upon free speech and the loosey-goosey ideal of free opinion; on the other hand, you are asking for it.

    These people tire me before I can gain strength between chemotherapy sessions. It takes termendous restraint and respect for Great Scott’s standards to keep from outright calling these people by the vulgar names that apply.

    The dishonor done to General Petraus is beyond comment; it only results in obscene cussing and muttering.

    We see The Left, the liberal candidates for president, and The Beast for what it is.

    There are always comments at United Possums International. I haven’t yet warmed up to dishonoring general officers of our army, but I’ll probably get there.

  • 32 Harry Daschle // Sep 14, 2007 at 7:37 pm

    This football team gives the word “Patriots” a bad name! I guess if Hillary, Harry Reid, Jack Reed, Murtha, etc., can call themselves “Patriots”, then The Patriots probably thought it was alright to cheat?

    Amazing that the comment was made, “Since the camera was spotted and dealt with in the first quarter, it didn’t affect the outcome of the game.”

    What about all the OTHER games INCLUDING 3 Super Bowls?????? I say force them to be called the New England ExPatriots, or Boston Traitors!

    Speaking of traitors, after hearing Sen. Jack Reed’s responce last night, I think he mat be related to the “Rhode Island Red” chicken. The name “Red” seems to fit this traitor, but I should apoligize to all the animal chickens for defaming them though. ;-)

    I thought Reed was going to say in words, what his, and ALL the Demo Prez candidates are saying to people who can “read” them, “We support the troops, unless they say something that may help Bush and help America win, and hurt us politically!”

    Dims are feverishly working to shorten their new mantra.

  • 33 debass // Sep 14, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    Politics is showbiz for the homely. So you are correct, they are all actors. They are both narcissists that crave attention and power.

    boberin- you should know by now that premature withdrawl will leave you having to take matters in your own hand.

  • 34 hwy93 // Sep 14, 2007 at 8:05 pm

    Bober,
    #7 also made me laugh. Fillowing up on on #24 now let’s look at “Honor” Also from the same source;

    Synonyms: character, chastity, courage, decency, fairness, goodness, honestness, honesty, incorruption, incorruptness, innocence, modesty, morality, morals, principles, probity, purity, rectitude, righteousness, trustworthiness, truthfulness, uprightness, virginity, virtue

    “Withdraw with Honor” appears to be an oxymoronic phrase.

  • 35 Darthmeister // Sep 14, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    I wonder if the Patriots had also asked the NSA for a little help tapping into the headphone links between the NY Jet’s coaches on the ground and the offensive and defensive coordinators up in the skyboxes?

    And wouldn’t you know it would be the PATRIOTS! All this spying is Bu$Hitler’s fault.

  • 36 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 14, 2007 at 10:52 pm

    A little wisdom from Charlie Weaver:

    “We’re all proud of Ludlow [Bean]. When he first came to Mount Idy, he started out in a small way. He started as an organ grinder, with one small monkey. He worked hard and saved. Two years later he expanded-now he has a pipe organ and a gorilla. He doesn’t have any trouble with people putting money in the cup now.”

    Fight hard and live!

  • 37 My word // Sep 14, 2007 at 11:22 pm

    I’M BACK…(see post no. 74 in previous thread.)

    BTW: What is the difference between Pelosi, Reed, Murtha, Kennedy, et al, and the notorious Tokyo Rose from WWII? She degraded the US Military as have those I mentioned above. I look at their comments as being just as nefarious as those of Tokyo Rose.

    Now back to our scheduled topic.

  • 38 Fred Sinclair // Sep 15, 2007 at 2:45 am

    My word (#37) - Iva was a 25 year old Nisi (Japanese/American) and one of 20 such girls, forced to make the broadcasts by the Japs. The name “Tokyo Rose” is actually a nickname given to the female voices making those broadcasts under extreme duress, by the G.I.’s who listened to the broadcasts. (Google “Tokyo Rose” for details).

    Our gang of twenty (or more) liberals differ, in that they voluntarily (of their own free will) make their comments - that fits the definition of treason (aid and comfort at the very least) but like the very real person of “Hanoi Jane” they will probably never stand trial for their crimes.

    “Treason doeth never prosper, what’s the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.” - John Harington

    Heirborn Ranger

  • 39 Darthmeister // Sep 15, 2007 at 4:58 am

    Ms RightWing, your story of the organ grinder reminds me of quote: “Diplomacy is saying, “Nice doggy until you’re able to find a rock.”

  • 40 mig // Sep 15, 2007 at 6:48 am

    ‘Withdrawal with Honor’ sounds like asking for a divorce by phone.

  • 41 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:11 am

    Darthmeister

    More appropriately, don’t let the Democrats make a monkey out of you ( the public ).

    The dems are like those little spider monkys you see on the old Hollywood movies, always jumping around with a (censored) grin on their face, begging for money

  • 42 mig // Sep 15, 2007 at 10:35 am

    Fredom Watch looks like a group worth looking into.

  • 43 Fred Sinclair // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:04 am

    #1 contender for Oxymoron of the 21st Century, I wish to nominate - “Christian Democrat”.

    Heirborn Ranger

  • 44 mig // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:15 am

    God doesn’t make anything without a purpose but the mosquito comes close.

    (Sign for Pest Control)

  • 45 mig // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:34 am

    Iraq Mission: Progress & Analysis Perspectives on General David Petraeus
    During his conformation hearing General Petraeus was praised by both the left and the right for his experience and intellect. To many, General Petraeus’ confirmation signified the beginning of a new and more nuanced strategy for Iraq – an idea that was met with great anticipation.”

  • 46 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:48 am

    Somebody forgot to tell the South Pole.

  • 47 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 15, 2007 at 8:01 pm


    God Bless America

  • 48 conserve-a-tips // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    MyWord #37: I thought that you were telling us a joke and we were supposed to reply, “What is the difference between Pelosi, Reed, Murtha, Kennedy, et al and the notorious Tokyo Rose from WWII?”

    And you were going to answer, “Nothing! A Rose by any other name smells just the same.” :-)

  • 49 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    From UPI:

    Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan told the crowd is was time to be assertive.

    “It’s time to lay our bodies on the line and say we’ve had enough,” she said. “It’s time to shut this city down.”
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    Garsh, that sure is assertive. Heck I do that every night and if I am lucky, in the afternoon.

    Just returned from a Cleveland Indians game. Now I must be assertive and lay my body down and say I’ve had enough..

  • 50 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 15, 2007 at 11:06 pm

    P.S.

    Earlier today the UPI said hundreds of protesters converged on Washington. Later they said thousands. Hmm, cooking the numbers again.

  • 51 mig // Sep 16, 2007 at 6:15 am

    Chokin’ freakin dogs!

  • 52 mig // Sep 16, 2007 at 6:48 am

    The new “axis of evil” may have lost one of its spokes.

  • 53 Fred Sinclair // Sep 16, 2007 at 10:05 am

    Who’s Who of dirty (illegal) money bwo: NewsMax

    A list of politicians who received money from Hsu, published in the Wall Street Journal, includes these prominent Democrats:

    Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy
    Illinois Sen. Barack Obama
    New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
    Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry
    Minnesota Senatorial candidate Al Franken
    Florida Sen. Bill Nelson
    West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller
    California Sen. Dianne Feinstein
    Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy
    Former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford
    Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack
    Nevada Sen. Harry Reid
    Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin
    New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg
    Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell
    California Sen. Barbara Boxer
    New York Sen. Mrs. Bill Clinton

  • 54 Darthmeister // Sep 16, 2007 at 10:26 am

    Just a thought:

    If the roles had been reverse in the 2004 Presidential elections where John Kerry had flown F-102 Delta Daggers in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and George Bush had served on a swift-boat in Vietnam, this is how the radical leftist moonbats would have spun the narrative:

    While Lt. John Kerry was nobly serving his country flying very dangerous, poorly designed jet interceptors in strictly a defensive posture guarding against Soviet bombers intruding into American airspace, Lt. George Bush was busy collecting medals while murdering unarmed Vietnamese peasant boys by shooting them in the back as they were running away with an empty rocket launcher and irresponsibly not keeping proper watch on this boat and allowing a young Vietnamese family to get within the boat’s kill zone whereby he shot the mother and child. George Bush is a war criminal who recklessly fought in an illegal and immoral war and who didn’t have enough courage to stand up to his chain-of-command who was ordering him to rape and pillage throughout the Vietnamese countryside like some kind of Genghis Khan.

  • 55 Stop The ACLU » Blog Archive » Sunday Links // Sep 16, 2007 at 2:51 pm

    […] Sanity has the Carnival Of Insanities ScrappleFace Reports: ACLU: NFL Patriots Also Spied on Fans in Stand CAIR Calls Joe Lieberman a Right Wing Nut! Captains Quarters: Fred Thompson Answers Your Questions. […]

You must log in to post a comment.