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Pats Rally From 'Spygate,' Crush Chargers

Fans, Players Show Belichick Support

POSTED: 6:12 am EDT September 17, 2007
UPDATED: 9:14 am EDT September 17, 2007

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The New England Patriots football team took the field Sunday night like they had something to prove -- that they don't need to spy to get the job done.

They pounced on the San Diego Chargers, winning the match at Gillette Stadium 38-14.

But NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported "Spygate" may not be over just yet.

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell has now warned that the Patriots must turn over all notes and tapes from the Sept. 9 New York Jets game, the contest where spying allegations first surfaced.

"I still reserve my right -- and I have notified the Patriots of that -- that if there is information that I have been not been made aware of, or it's inconsistent with what I've been told, I will revisit that case," Goodell said, adding that he can always increase the penalty leveled against the Pats.

NFL security caught a Patriots team cameraman videotaping a Jets coach's hand signals. Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 as a punishment for the infraction, and the team was fined $250,000. The Patriots will also lose one of their two first-round draft picks.

Despite the controversy, Patriots' chairman and CEO Robert Kraft is standing by his coach and there was a huge fan demonstration of affection for Belichick, who was cheered as he walked off the field after the Chargers game. Before the game, the crowd gave Belichick a standing ovation and were answered with a rare wave from the coach.

"I want to thank the fans for their awesome support. I definitely felt that from the time I walked out on the field. They showed up tonight and they were with us and they gave us some energy tonight and we appreciate that," Belichick said.

Belichick's players also demonstrated their support with hugs, slaps and smiles throughout the game.

"I've said this so many times, I think we're all lucky to play for him. He's the best. There's no question," said Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

"I'll be honest with you. This is one of the most satisfying victories of my career," linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "We went through a lot this week. It was one of the tougher weeks and we had to block out everything, absolutely everything and just focus on this game. So, to come out here and win this game -- to hear some of the things that were said about our teams, this team, past teams -- this victory was for all Patriots, past and present, under coach Belichick."

Kraft has reportedly extended Belichick's contract through 2013. The owner would not confirm that, but he did say the spying controversy took him by surprise.

"Before last Sunday's game, I had no knowledge of this practice and I must tell you, it was really disappointing. This isn't what we're about and I've discussed that with coach Belichick," Kraft said.

Last week's fine was the NFL's highest ever and there's talk it could go even higher. There are reports that the Jets also claim the Patriots had wired some defensive players for sound in order to pick up audibles from Jets' quarterback Chad Pennington and to detect blocking signals from the Jets offensive linemen. Now, the Jets want the NFL to investigate that as well.

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