The New York Giants were fined a combined $200,000 in mid-December for actions taken by the coaching staff, headlined by head coach Ben McAdoo. In short, the team was penalized for utilizing walkie-talking devices during the course of a game against the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to the fine, the Giants were also docked in terms of NFL Draft ammunition and, this week, the "hammer" came down on New York.
The Giants were given a 10-spot drop in the NFL Draft order, falling from No. 140 to No. 150 with the team's fourth-round selection.
As you may expect, fans of the New England Patriots were incensed by the ruling. The reigning Super Bowl champions were, of course, docked a first round pick completely for the "SpyGate" scandal and that also came with a $500,000 individual fine for Bill Belichick.
In New York's case, the Giants don't even lose a draft pick in this situation, simply falling 10 spots out of a possible 12-spot drop that the league mandated at the time of the fine. It absolutely must be noted that the two offenses were not identical or, really, anywhere close. In the same breath, though, that won't stop the always-scorned Patriots fan base from unloading on Roger Goodell and others in the aftermath.
The Giants were slapped on the wrist in this case and, if anything, it seems like they got off easy. Just ask the Patriots.
