Pats may have taped opponents since 2000

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Surreptitious taping of opposing teams by the New England Patriots began in Coach Bill Belichick's first preseason in 2000, a former Patriots player said.

The videotaping of signals, which violates league rules, continued from the 2000 preseason through at least three championship seasons to the 2007 season opener against the Jets, when the Patriots were caught and sanctioned by the National Football League, The New York Times reported Friday.

The allegation came as NFL coaches and executives met in Indianapolis Thursday for the scouting combine.

The former Pats player, among several former players interviewed by the league, said he did not want to speak publicly because the investigation is ongoing, the Times said. Owners and coaches said they were satisfied with the league's investigation.

Belichick has said that he misinterpreted the league's bylaws, telling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell he thought it was OK to use electronic equipment as long as the information wasn't used in the same game.

Belichick was not seen at the combine, the Times reported Friday. Representatives of 21 teams are scheduled to meet with reporters for news conferences through Sunday. Belichick and the Patriots are not among them.