Belichick Issues Apology for Incident

New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick issued an apology yesterday for the incident in which his team is accused of improperly stealing signals by New York Jets coaches during a game last weekend at Giants Stadium.

Belichick indicated that he'd spoken to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this week about the matter.

"At this point, we have not been notified of the league's ruling," Belichick said in a written statement. "Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league's decision, I will have further comment."

Belichick said in the statement that he'd spoken to Goodell about "a videotaping procedure" and "my interpretation of the rules."

The Patriots' three-time Super Bowl-winning coach refused to comment further on the issue during a news conference in Foxborough, Mass., and left the room when reporters pressed him on the matter.

Sources familiar with the league's investigation say that Goodell is prepared to strip a draft pick or picks from the Patriots for violating league rules regarding the use of videotaping equipment to spy on an opponent.

Hearing on Vick's Bonus

An Oct. 4 hearing has been scheduled in the Atlanta Falcons' attempt to retrieve bonus money from suspended quarterback Michael Vick's 10-year, $130 million contract.

The hearing is to take place before Stephen Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor who is the NFL's special master charged with resolving disputes between the league and Players Association arising from the collective bargaining agreement. The Falcons are attempting to retrieve approximately $20 million in bonus money from Vick, who has pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting charge and is suspended indefinitely from the NFL. The union has contended that the Falcons are entitled to $6 million or less. . . .

Goodell, Players Association chief Gene Upshaw and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka are among those scheduled to testify before the Senate commerce committee during a hearing next Tuesday on benefits for former players.