[quote name='Mojimbo']
1. Running up score
2. Videotaping the opposing team's hand signals.[/QUOTE]
1) In pro football it's not as big of a deal but it's considered bad sportsmanship in High School and the College Level.
2) It's against the rules to steal the opponents signals/communications. It's considered the equivalent of easedropping on the mic between the QB and coach. Because it's not just hand signals. It's materials and playsheets and shit. Because camera's can catch that stuff too.
Also, it's an unfair advantage for two other reasons.
A) The home team would have an unfair advantage depending on the sophistication/placement of their spying equipment. Not every team plays at home. For example, taking it in reverse, NE played at teh Giants. If the giants had a sophisticate dspying rig at home, and the Patriots were the away team, the Giants would have an unfair advantage if they met at the superbowl. Because they would have had the opportunity to steal teh Pats signals while the pats would not.
B) If you even open that door a crack, it starts an arms race. Which everyone constantly spying on each other. Which would just lead to discord and mistrust within the league. Plkayers wouldn't be able to trust visitors locker rooms. Teams would literally sweep the sidelines for bugs.
This Greeb Bay-NY game is wild.