New England Patriots

Tomlin on headset problems: ‘That’s always the case’ in New England

Mike Tomlin watches action from the sideline. Charles Krupa/AP

From stealing play sheets to deflating footballs, the Patriots have been accused of a lot of things. And it sounds like Steelers coach Mike Tomlin alleged another transgression in his post-game press conference.

When asked about reports the Steelers’ headsets were picking up the game’s radio broadcast rather than his team’s communication, a livid Tomlin said such technical issues are ‘always the case,’ at Gillette, echoing similar accusations included in an ESPN investigation that ran earlier in the week.

Here’s the full exchange:

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And a transcription, in case you didn’t follow:

Reporter: “The radio went out? Communications?’’

Tomlin: “That’s always the case.’’

Reporter: “Here?’’

Tomlin: “Yes.’’

Reporter: “You’re saying that every time you play here you have radio…’’

Tomlin: “I said what I said.’’

Reporter: “What exactly happened? You didn’t have any communcations?’’

Tomlin: “We were listening to the Patriots radio broadcast for the majority of the first half on our headsets.’’

Coach to coach or coach to quarterback?

Coach to coach

For his part, Bill Belichick said in his press conference the broadcast also affected Patriots communications. And NFL spokesman Michael Signora issued a statement absolving New England of blame:

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Scenes from opening night

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