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Patriots explain video controversy, acknowledge that they 'inappropriately filmed' field

The New England Patriots released a statement Monday night in response to reports that a member of the team’s employ was caught taking video of the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

The reported incident occurred a week before the Patriots take on the Bengals in Week 15.

According to the statement, the Patriots were taking video for a behind-the-scenes video series called “Do Your Job.” The team claims that footage from the Browns-Bengals game was intended for a feature on their scouting department.

Patriots admit violation of NFL rules

The statement acknowledges the team’s “failure to inform the Bengals and the league” as an oversight and admits that the production crew “inappropriately filmed the field from the press box,” a violation of league rules.