Owner: Patriots will 'move forward'

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated Friday Coach Bill Belichick's job is not in jeopardy because of the huge fine imposed by the NFL for spying.

"I believe that Coach Belichick always tries to do what is best for the team and he is always accountable for his decisions," Kraft said in a statement issued by the Patriots. "He has been a very important part of what our organization has accomplished over the last seven years.

"In this case, one of his decisions has resulted in a severe penalty for our franchise. He has paid a heavy price and so has our organization. He has apologized for his actions. I accept his apology and look forward to working with him as we move forward."

The NFL fined Belichick $500,000 and fined the Patriots an additional $250,000 after a member of the team's staff was caught filming opposition coaches during Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

The Patriots will also lose a first-round draft pick next year if they make the 2007 playoffs. If they do not make the playoffs, they will lose second- and third-round picks.