Bill Belichick and his debut at North Carolina already raised eyebrows, and now comes a fresh report that paints him as even more combative than usual.
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As relayed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Belichick has barred New England Patriots scouts from attending Tar Heels practices. The directive, Florio writes, came via his longtime ally and UNC general manager Mike Lombardi.
Florio does not mince words, calling it "a stupid move" and "a reflection of his infantile pettiness regarding his former employer."
The logic behind Belichick's decision is questionable at best. His biggest selling point in moving from the NFL to college, Florio notes, is his ability to prepare players for the pros. So why make it harder for those players to be properly evaluated?
Florio adds that the move will become "Exhibit A" for any rival program trying to recruit against Belichick. Why would a high school player choose UNC if the coach is more concerned about settling old scores than giving his athletes every opportunity at the next level?
It all reads as another odd chapter in Belichick's post-Patriots career, where pettiness and score-settling keep creeping into the spotlight.
"Chapel Bill," as some have dubbed him, may have stuck it to the Patriots with this decision. But as Florio points out, he may have also hurt himself — and, more importantly, his own players — in the process.
"The news will become Exhibit A for any team trying to land a player Belichick and Lombo want," Florio wrote. "And it should work. Why would any kid choose to play for a coach who will prioritize his desire to settle scores over maximizing opportunities for his players?"
