Interview: ESPN's John Barr on Loomis Eavesdropping Story

Yesterday on Offside, we interviewed ESPN investigative reporter John Barr.

John broke the story earlier this week of Saints GM Mickey Loomis' alleged ability to eavesdrop on opposing coaches. It is important to note that Barr did not allege that Loomis did in fact eavesdrop. Rather, he takes the position that Loomis had that ability to do so by way of a device installed in his Superdome suite.

John confirmed that ESPN continues to investigate this case with a view to trying to collect evidence supporting position that Loomis did indeed eavesdrop.

It is alleged that Loomis did this between 2002 and 2004. Interestingly, starting in 2008, the NFL engaged retired FBI agents to conduct electronic audits of coaching booths, locker rooms, etc.. They would sweep these areas looking for bugs and the like.  However, these sweeps were not conducted during the material time, namely, 2002 to 2004.

If the NFL was conducting these sweeps, it seems logical to conclude that there was a need for them. Where that need came from remains an open question.

Listen to our interview with John here.