On Saturday, Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels was fined $50,000 by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for illegally videotaping an opponent's practice. The NFL Network's Jason La Canfora notes that the team reported the violation of its own accord:
Josh McDaniels Fined By Commissioner After Broncos Staffer Illegally Videotaped 49ers Practice
Broncos fined $50K and Josh McDaniels fined $50K for illegally taping a practice. Team reported the violation to the NFL
The game in question, on Oct. 31, was against the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium in London. According to La Canfora, the Broncos' video director, Steve Scarnecchia, filmed the video. He then presented it to McDaniels, who declined to view it. However, McDaniels didn't immediately report it, as league policy mandates, which is why he is being fined.
Broncos executives became aware of the incident on Nov. 8. Scarnecchia, who, along with McDaniels, worked for the Patriots during their "Spygate" scandal, has been fired by the team. Chris Mortenson tweets:
[Commissioner Roger] Goodell also will hold hearing to determine Broncos videographer will be barred permanently from league as repeat violator
At the time the filming took place, the Broncos were 2-5 and the 49ers were 1-6. It seems strange that Scarnecchia would put himself and the team at such a high level of risk in this situation. Again, it should be stressed that it doesn’t appear as though McDaniels watched any of the video; in any case, the Broncos lost, 24-16.
For more on McDaniels and the Broncos, check in with SB Nation’s Broncos blog, Mile High Report.
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