Belichick did say that the video assistant Matt Estrella would not be on the sideline videotaping during tomorrow night’s game against the Chargers. Commissioner Roger Goodell told the Patriots the league would be monitoring their videotaping from now on.

“We will change our procedure on that,” Belichick said.

The Patriots owner Robert K. Kraft, who has been largely silent while the drama played out the last two days, said in a statement that the week had been extremely difficult. Goodell made a point of noting, when he announced his punishment Thursday night, that Kraft did not know what Belichick was up to. Kraft is extremely concerned about the image his team projects and he said he was “deeply disappointed that the embarrassing events of this past week may cause some people to see our team in a different light.”

How this transgression will affect Belichick’s relationship with Kraft remains to be seen. His contract status is unknown. But for now, Kraft gave Belichick, who has won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, a vote of support.

“I believe that Coach Belichick always tries to do what is best for the team and he is always accountable for his decisions,” Kraft said. “He has been a very important part of what our organization has accomplished over the last seven years. In this case, one of his decisions has resulted in a severe penalty for our franchise. He has paid a heavy price and so has our organization. He has apologized for his actions. I accept his apology and look forward to working with him as we move forward.”

Still, the conversation about whether Goodell’s punishment was severe enough continued yesterday. Wade Wilson, the Dallas assistant who was suspended five games for using human growth hormone, told ESPN.com that he believed a double standard was applied that allowed Belichick to avoid suspension and remain on the sideline.

“I don’t want to be seen as a crybaby or as someone questioning the commissioner’s decision, but I see some major inconsistencies here,” Wilson said.

The Giants owner John Mara said most teams would think the penalty — the Patriots also will lose a first-round draft pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs, and second- and third-rounders if they do not — was appropriate.