It looks bad enough for Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels that going back to last season, the Broncos are 5-15 in their last 20 regular season games. Now there's this news that the team's video operations director, Steve Scarnecchia, taped one of the San Francisco 49ers' walk-through practices at Wembley Stadium before the 49ers played the Broncos in London last month, in blatant violation of National Football League rules. This can't bode well for Josh McDaniel's future as head coach in Denver. As far as Scarnecchia, he was fired by the Broncos today.
To be fair, when Scarnecchia offered to show the video tape to McDaniels, the coach declined. However, league policy requires prompt reporting of the incident, and apparently McDaniels did not comply with this rule. McDaniels should certainly know the rules regarding this, as he was on the New England Patriots staff that was fined for the infamous "Spygate" incident just a few years back.
Yahoo! Sports also offers this background:
ESPN: Broncos, McDaniels fined $50K each
Yahoo! Sports: Broncos, coach fined for taping of 49ers practice
To be fair, when Scarnecchia offered to show the video tape to McDaniels, the coach declined. However, league policy requires prompt reporting of the incident, and apparently McDaniels did not comply with this rule. McDaniels should certainly know the rules regarding this, as he was on the New England Patriots staff that was fined for the infamous "Spygate" incident just a few years back.
Yahoo! Sports also offers this background:
Scarnecchia was also involved in the NFL’s last videotaping scandal, dubbed Spygate. After the (New England) Patriots were caught videotaping New York Jets coaches sending in signals during a 2007 game, the league’s investigation determined New England had violated rules over several seasons. Scarnecchia, who had left the Patriots by the time they were caught, was found to have taken part in the videotaping when he worked for the team in the early 2000s.So, not only was Scarnecchia in violation of league rules, but he is a repeat offender. Any chance Steve Scarnecchia gets a job in the NFL again after this? I wouldn't count on it. If commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't ban him from the league, I don't think any team would touch him.
ESPN: Broncos, McDaniels fined $50K each
Yahoo! Sports: Broncos, coach fined for taping of 49ers practice
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
