NFL investigating Patriots for potential video taping Bengals’ play calls

The NFL is investigating the New England Patriots potentially video taping the Cincinnati Bengals play calls, according to Bengals coach Zac Taylor.

“I’m aware that there was an incident, but I know the league’s investigating it, so I’ve got no comment,” Taylor said Monday during a press conference. “I don’t have anything to say about it. … I’ve got no comment.”

The Patriots and the NFL could not be reached for comment at time of publication. However, New England seemed to be filming a scout for the team’s documentary series, “Do Your Job,” according to NFL Network. The series shows a day in the life of their different employees in the organization from scouting to equipment managers to food services. The Patriots scout seemed interested in filming himself — and not the Bengals’ sideline.

An explanation, via a source informed of the #Patriots situation: The team reached out to the #Browns for a credential for a videographer to shoot a behind-the-scenes piece on an advanced scout. A day in the life. They’ve done “Do Your Job” pieces on several other facets (1/2).

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2019

More on #Patriots/#Bengals situation (2/2): These "Do Your Job” pieces have been on training staff, equipment, etc. The videographer shot B-roll in the press box. The Pats didnt ask the league until afterward, tho they did inform the #Browns (who had the home game) vs. #Bengals

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2019

This wouldn’t be the first time the league looked into New England’s video department. The Patriots were punished for Spygate, when they were illegally taping opponents during the 2007 season. Of course, that isn’t the only scandal involving the team. They were also entrenched in Deflategate, a ball deflating scandal which followed the 2014 season.

For now, this situation, however, seems significantly different than that of Spygate.