The New England Patriots were punished this week for videotaping the Jets play-calling signs in last week’s game. Let me first say that I am not a huge sports guy, and usually defer to my more knowledgeable friends on such issues. That said, I can’t stay away from this one.
This rule seems antiquated. Filming technology is cheap and easy to use. Therefore, there’s nothing stopping every team from doing it. If everyone did it, teams would develop more secretive ways of play calling, thus nullifying the usefulness of current technology. This is known as “the market process.” Instead of helping the situation, this rule actually creates a black market for the use of filming technology. Precisely because it is against the rules, teams can use it to their advantage. If it was okay to use the technology, no single team would have an advantage.
Why do I take this view? Because even though the Patriots are now being punished for their participation in the filming black market, no one can fully understand the impact of their use of the technology. The proper degree of punishment is impossible to determine. So, when in doubt, overestimate.
The bottom line: Rules that create black markets are not so good. You COULD apply the same logic to steroids, with the caveat that the league does have a legitimate interest in protecting its players from the negative bodily effect of their use. If steroids didn’t have that negative effect, however, I would have no problem allowing their use. Black markets, not the lack of rules, cause the inequalities that make sports less enjoyable.
