FanHouse

The New England Patriots have confirmed that they have no intention of suing the Boston Herald over the newspapers February 2 report that the team illegally taped the St. Louis Rams' final walk-through practice before the 2002 Super Bowl.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James told the Boston Globe that a lawsuit against the Herald "has been discussed" but that "I don't think we're pursuing that at this time."



That is obviously the right decision, and the suggestion that the Patriots were going to sue the Herald was always rather silly. If the Patriots had sued, the Herald would have gained access, through depositions and discovery, to all sorts of inside information that the Patriots would prefer to keep private. And just because you've been wronged by someone doesn't mean the correct response is a lawsuit.

The Herald made a huge mistake by publishing its February 2 story. But the Patriots would be making as big a mistake if they tried to go to court over it.

Previously on FanHouse:
Patriots Suing Boston Herald? Bad Idea
Boston Herald Owes Its Readers an Explanation on Patriots Spygate Story
Will Patriots Owner Bob Kraft Sue the Boston Herald Over Spygate Story?
Boston Herald Apologizes for Spygate Story
Boston Herald Reporter: 'I Know I Screwed Up'