by John Czarnecki

Updated: April 2, 2008, 3:48 PM EST 193 comments

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Like New England owner Bob Kraft did the previous day, the Patriots coach basically called Matt Walsh's bluff. You know, the Hawaiian golf pro and former employee of the Patriots' video department who has claimed for months that he taped the Rams' final walk-through practice in the Superdome on Saturday prior to the 2002 Super Bowl.

Belichick revealed that he was interviewed by several league officials after losing to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII regarding Walsh's allegations. "They have asked me the same question maybe 10 different ways," Belichick said. "I don't know what more (the league) could possibly do."

Earlier, Belichick repeated his assertion that he has never looked at a tape of another team's practice. "I don't know why the allegations continue to linger because there is nothing to substantiate it. If there was something, I believe someone would have come forward by now. We have moved on."

Basically what Belichick seems to be saying is: If Walsh really had a tape, don't you think he would have produced it by now? Don't you think it would have been on 60 Minutes or a comparable news show?

And there might be something to that.

As part of my job with FOX Sports, I was in the Superdome on the Saturday in question. The Rams were in their game uniforms, running around and generally relaxing waiting to take their team photo for the Super Bowl. There were wooden risers on the field. There were times when I was on the field actually talking to Kurt Warner and other players and some of the teams' executives that I have known for more than 20 years.

If there was a walk-through that day, it was the most disorganized one ever assembled. Many of the players were there to simply unwind and relax and test out the carpet. And don't forget, the Rams were very familiar with the Superdome because the Saints were still in their division. They had played there during the regular season.

What I do remember of that week was that Rams coach Mike Martz was extremely nervous about practicing at the Saints' facility because he feared Jim Haslett and his staff would be taping his practices. He wanted their coaches removed from the building. That didn't happen, but all of the windows that faced the practice field had their drapes closed. Remember, this was a time when Haslett, now the Rams defensive coordinator, and Martz really didn't get along. There was a real rivalry between the two and their teams.

So yes, Martz was concerned about being videotaped, but it was by the Saints' staff, not the Patriots.

On the flip side, Martz and Belichick were coaching friends. The two coaches respected one another; Belichick was impressed with Martz's offensive acumen. During this period, Martz actually considered Belichick a friend.

Unless Walsh immediately shows the NFL and America a copy of such a Rams' practice tape, hopefully, this is the end of the Spygate saga.

It has been a drain on the league while also tarnishing the championship achievements of the Patriots and Belichick, who was honored again this past season as Coach of the Year. He won the award despite his team being caught taping the New York Jets' defensive signals during a Week 1 game. He was fined a record $500,000 and the Patriots lost a first-round draft choice. Belichick and Kraft have paid a heavy price for what many viewed as cheating.

If no Walsh tape exists, then it is time to move on.

More from the meetings

Speaking of the Patriots, from owner Bob Kraft to GM Scott Pioli, they have praised the scouting work of Tom Dimitroff, the new personnel boss of the Atlanta Falcons. Dimitroff definitely will be scrutinized this month because the first-year GM controls seven of the first 103 choices, including five of the first 68 draft picks. The Falcons pick third in the first round and some believe Dimitroff may be selecting LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, a player that would fill a definite need for the Falcons. Dimitroff, a cycling enthusiast, had planned to vacation this summer and see his first Tour de France. But with his new job, he said he's put those plans on hold. With so much ammunition, Dimitroff said he could see himself making a trade or two if that will help the Falcons. He said he wasn't worried about Dorsey's knee and, without naming names, that he could see three quarterbacks going in the first round.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones realizes that he will be heavily criticized if he ever trades for Pacman Jones. But the financial risk is minimal for the Cowboys, plus the team was able to carefully monitor the off-the-field actions of Tank Johnson this past season. Jones learned something from Al Davis, who always had someone babysitting players who had a penchant for getting into trouble in bars and strip clubs during the Raiders' golden years. It's the main reason why many teams aren't interested in Pacman; they don't want to have to babysit an adult whose suspension still hasn't been lifted.

Every time you talk to the Dolphins, they sound like John Beck is their quarterback of the future, not potential draft picks Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco. The two teams that I've heard really like Ryan are the Chiefs (fifth overall) and the Panthers (13th overall). The Ravens, who pick eighth, don't sound interested in the Boston College quarterback.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin faced the media Tuesday after ducking everyone in Indianapolis at the combine. Kiffin said all the right things while adding that owner Al Davis is making all the decisions. The word is that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is Oakland's pick at No. 4 in the first round. This would leave Virginia's Chris Long still at the top with the Dolphins or with the Rams at No. 2. The Rams also like Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston.

No one knows where Bill Cowher will be coaching in 2009, but if he does return Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis could end up as his defensive coordinator if Cincinnati has another non-playoff season. I can see Bengals owner Mike Brown digging in his heels and not trading wacky receiver Chad Johnson.

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