BOSTON -- A tight-lipped New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick apologized Wednesday amid accusations his team spied on the New York Jets during last weekend's season-opening game.

At a morning news conference in Foxborough, Belichick released a brief prepared statement, saying, "Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league's decision, I will have further comment."

Belichick was scheduled to answer to league officials regarding the matter on Friday. He said that he still hasn't been given any indication what the NFL intends to do about the alleged infraction, while indicating that he may have misunderstood what the league allowed.

"Earlier this week, I spoke with Commissioner (Roger) Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday's game and my interpretation of the rules. At this point, we have not been notified of the league's ruling," Belichick said.

The Patriots were accused of spying during Sunday's game against the New York Jets by Jets coach Eric Mangini. NFL security officials confiscated a video camera from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on the sideline Sunday.

ESPN.com reported Tuesday that Goodell has come to the conclusion that the Patriots violated league rules when they used a camera to tape defensive signals by the New York Jets.

"The rule is that no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game," the league said in a statement from spokesman Greg Aiello. "Clubs have specifically been reminded in the past that the videotaping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals on the sidelines is prohibited."

If Goodell decision's becomes final, it could lead to severe sanctions against the team, including fines, suspensions or the loss of draft picks.

Belichick issued the apology a few minutes before the coach's regularly scheduled weekly news conference held to discuss the team's upcoming Sunday game. He refused to comment on whether he has made any contingency plans for his coaching staff in the event he is suspended. He also would not answer questions about embarrassment for the team, which has won three Super Bowls in the past seven years.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who prides himself on the team's squeaky clean image, had little to say about the controversy Tuesday.

"There is an investigation going on now, and perhaps an adjudication of it, and I think it would be inappropriate at this time to make any comment," Kraft said.

"When you're successful in anything, a lot of people like to try to take you down and do different things. We understand that," said Kraft.