NFL football brings sports fans a weekly dose of action, excitement, drama and athleticism. But rarely is intrigue part of the mix.  As any football fan knows, team routinely scout their upcoming opponents. Coaches and players study game films to identify weaknesses in the opposition's defense and to help plan their own defense against the opponent's best players and plays. All perfectly within the rules. All part of the game.

An example of something not allowed would be breaking into the other team's offices and stealing their playbook. Hacking their computers. Tapping their phones. Bribing the janitor. Kidnapping an assistant coach and waterboarding him until he talks. Basically, anything the CIA or NSA can do is off limits to the NFL.

That includes taping the other team's coaches on the sideline during a game as they signal plays to the team on the field. Not cool. If you can "read" the opposing lineup and guess what play they're about to run, that's good football instinct. If you intercept their signs ... that's cheating.

And that is what the New England Patriots are accused of doing to the New York Jets.

NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots employee on the team's sideline during Sunday's game against the Jets in a suspected spying incident, sources said.

The camera and its tape were placed in a sealed box and forwarded to the league office for investigation, the sources said. ...  The Patriots' cameraman was suspected of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches who were sending signals to their unit on the field, the sources said. The league also is investigating some radio frequency issues that occurred during the game. (ESPN.com)

Summoned to League offices to explain himself, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had little to say to reporters afterward. But he later issued this kinda-sorta apology statement posted on the Patriots website:

"Earlier this week, I spoke with Commissioner Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday's game and my interpretation of the rules. At this point, we have not been notified of the league's ruling. Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff and players. Following the league's decision, I will have further comment." Patriots.com

(Here is another cite, because I doubt the Pats will keep this on their site any longer than necessary: New York Times)

Boy, these NFL types are real mush-mouths, aren't they? This is more of a pre-apology. It isn't even clear what Belichick is apologizing for. For cheating by taping the other team's sidelines? For getting caught? For embarrassing the Patriots organization and fans? All of the above?

See, an apology basic is to state clearly what it is you are apologizing for. When you don't do that, it calls your sincerity into question. This isn't an apology. It is a placeholder statement until the NFL deals out its punishment, at which time Belichick will issue his real apology. Perhaps several.

Like Michael Vick, Belichick doesn't want to preemptively admit guilt by apologizing now. He wants to see what the NFL head office has on him first. Maybe he can beat the rap! Then no apology necessary! Otherwise, he's going to drag this out and wait until his guilt is proved before admitting what he already knows he did. Because, hey, if they can't prove it, it never happened!

Kids ... do not take any of these NFL types as your role model for how to apologize. Or when.