Timeline: Rise and fall of the Patriots

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Nov. 6 - Shula speaks out
San Diego Chargers v New England Patriots
Nick Laham / Getty Images
With the Patriots looking more formidable by the week, members of the 1972 Dolphins rise from their crypts like zombies called to arms to defend the honor of their 17-0 team. Says former Dolphins coach Don Shula in the New York Daily News, “The Spygate thing has diminished what they've accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They've got it. Belichick was fined $500,000, the team was fined $250,00 and they lost a first-round draft choice. That tells you the seriousness or significance of what they found. I guess you got the same thing as putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds' home run record. I guess it will be noted that the Patriots were fined and a No.1 draft choice was taken away during that year of accomplishment. The sad thing is Tom Brady looks so good, it doesn't look like he needs any help.” Shula later softens his comments. Belichick says only he has high regard for Shula. The choosing of sides again ensues.