I posted a blog a few days ago before the punishment was handed out to Belichick and the Patriots stating how I felt about the charge against them:  http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/58454

Now the punishment has been dealt, and it is as follows: Coach Belichick is fined the maximum $500,000, the organization is fined $250,000, and the Pats forfeit their 1st round pick when they make the playoffs.

First off the punishment.  While I feel that Goodell has overall been good for the NFL, to me it seems obvious he does not think this is a big deal because: 1.  Patriots have another first round pick from SF, and 2.  Belichick was not suspended from any games this season.  Since this is an issue of cheating, and that was the main point, according to an ESPN analyst, Goodell made to the coaches during the off-season, I was expecting the outcome to be a little more severe. 

Now, to Eric Mangini.  Since it has come out that the Patriots have employed this tactic of spying on opposing coaches, it has also been brought to light that Mangini knew about this as well.  So, my question is:  If Mangini knew about this all along, then why isn't he at the very least, being fined as well?  I find it very hypocritical that he gets to slam his former co-worker and franchise for something that he was apart of as well. 

I believe this is something that Roger Goodell should look into as having class and character are two traits he expects of owners, coaches, and players.  Furthermore, and this is something that has been discussed lately, especially on this site, I think the NFL needs to look real hard about getting defensive captains equipped with ear pieces for play calling.  In this modern age of technology, it is silly that teams still have to use hand signals when there are tools that can be used to eliminate them, thus preventing any further attempted recordings.

So, what do you think?  Should Mangini (not the Jets organization obviously since they had nothing to do with any of this) be punished in some way, most likely a fine, for not giving up information while he was an assistant in New England pertaining to the recording of coaches?

I look forward to your responses.