The swift hand of Roger Goodell has come crashing down on Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots. The Commish may not always be consistent, but for the most part, he's been decisive.

Apparently Belichick's half-apology for misinterpreting "videotaping procedures" didn't play well in the NFL offices, and Goodell made him pay. Yes, I know the Patriots still have another first-round draft choice from a trade with the 49ers, but it's still an unprecedented punishment for what some (Patriots fans) would call a common practice.

You can argue that point all day, but the bottom line is that Belichick ordered Mattie Estrella to do something Goodell explicitly condemned before the season. I've talked to two longtime NFL assistants who said that using (Richard Durrett's) binoculars to steal signs is an accepted practice around the league. But they both agreed that using video equipment is a completely different story.

Belichick comes from a Bill Parcells coaching tree commonly referred to in NFL circles as "The Cult," but I've never heard anyone accuse my colleague of gathering illegal footage. I think it would've embarrassed Big Bill for anyone to think he needed illegal footage to win a football game.

Belichick decided at some point that he didn't have to answer to anyone, and he eventually went too far. I know Patriots fans will insist that everyone's cheating, and to some extent, they may be right. It just seems unlikely that other teams are brazen enough to have someone stand on the sideline and focus the camera on one person.

The Patriots are still in the midst of a remarkable decade, but now there's at least a hint of doubt. Do I think Little Bill's video department should get credit for three Super Bowl titles? Not one bit, but the club's laughable stunt doesn't help a team's image that has already been tarnished of late.

The Patriots may win another Super Bowl this season, but I doubt they'll win much respect.

Update: I realize some of you guys are upset Belichick wasn't suspended, but honestly, that wouldn't have accomplished much. Even if you didn't allow him at the practice facility, he could still consult with his coaches all week. He would still have his hands all over the game plan. The people who think the Patriots would go into a tailspin without Belichick might be giving him a little too much credit.