Report: NFL takes draft pick, fines Patriots for filming Bengals bench

The New England Patriots are turning a June Sunday into a huge news day.

First came the report the team was signing free-agent quarterback Cam Newton. Then, comes the news the team is being penalized for its episode of filming of the Bengals’ sideline in the 2019 season.

The NFL has handed down penalties for the #Patriots folowing the investigation of the filming of the #Bengals’ sideline, as @MikeReiss noted: $1.1m fine, loss of third-round draft pick next year, team production crews can’t film games this upcoming season.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 29, 2020

The illegal filming procedure took place during a Dec. 8 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

ESPN.com added:

The NFL also banned David Mondillo, who was suspended by the team at the time of the NFL investigation, from NFL facilities until further notice. Prior to the league’s discipline, Mondillo was terminated by the Patriots.

The Patriots admitted that their production crew inappropriately filmed the field and sideline. The crew was credentialed by the Browns to shoot video for a Patriots web series called “Do Your Job,” but the Patriots did not inform the Bengals or the NFL, which they called an “unintended oversight.”