NFL defends actions in videotape incident

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter Wednesday that he had properly handled the New England "spygate" controversy.

Goodell handed out a $500,000 fine to New England Coach Bill Belichick for violating NFL rules by videotaping defensive signals of the New York Jets during their season-opening game. The Patriots also had to forfeit its first-round draft pick this year.

The commissioner then had the six videotapes in question seized and he also ordered their destruction, a move that has been questioned by Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican.

Goodell explained his position to the senator Wednesday.

"I think it was the right thing to do," Goodell said. "I have nothing to hide."

Goodell also said Wednesday that Belichick told him that he thought the taping was proper under NFL guidelines.

Matt Walsh, a former Patriots employee and now a golf instructor in Hawaii, has told various publications that he did some of the New England videotaping. Goodell was asked by Specter whether the commissioner had spoken with Walsh and the commissioner said he had not.