Since I had a rather lengthy discussion regarding the New England Patriots Cheater-gate, I felt that update would be extremely appropriate.
And I was right. It was cheating, plain and simple.

Bill Belichick is ready for his close-up. The Patriots’ coach escaped suspension for using a video camera to spy on opposing coaches, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell deciding instead on Thursday night to fine him $500,000 and dock the team $250,000 and a first-day draft pick next year.
It was the biggest fine ever for a coach and the first time in NFL history a first-round draft pick has been confiscated as a penalty.

Best quote from the article by the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as to why he penalized Belichick and his team:

“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Goodell wrote.

Good for Goodell! Sends a strong message to the coaches, players and owners.
Quite frankly, I feel bad for Belichick because now, no matter what he does, his winning record will be forever tarnished. And that is a heavy price to pay. I wonder if he thinks it was worth it?