On Wednesday, an ESPN report claimed that New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft had some unflattering things to say about Bill Belichick to Atlanta Falcons team owner Arthur Blank that ultimately played a role in the Falcons deciding not to hire Belichick as their next head coach. But a spokesperson for the Patriots is disputing this account.
“Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways,” Patriots spokesman Stacey James told ESPN for their story. “In fact, Robert advocated for Bill to get the job.”
James did acknowledge that it’s possible that Kraft could have criticized Belichick in conversations with Blank in conversations that happened before January, however.
“It would not surprise me to learn that owners sometimes lament to those close to them when their teams are struggling,” James said, “but Robert Kraft never questioned Bill’s character or trust when talking with Arthur Blank. Trust is important to Robert. He wouldn’t have employed Coach Belichick for the past 24 years if he ever questioned his trust.”
Regardless, Belichick did not get the job and will not be coaching in the NFL this upcoming season despite his six Super Bowl titles.
[ESPN]
