'You become hated.' Did Belichick's historic NFL run work against him?
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'You become hated.' Did Belichick's historic NFL run work against him?
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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4 min read
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Apparently a resume that consists of eight Super Bowl championships, six as a head coach and two as an assistant, and the second most wins all time, including the playoffs, isn't enough to garner a first-ballot Hall of Fame nod.
"Some things are just a no-brainer. His work speaks for itself. We should all be judged on that,"Willie McGinest, who won three Super Bowls with theNew England Patriotsand is a member of the team's Hall of Fame, told USA TODAY Sports. "I think sometimes voters and people who aren't really, really into the game don't understand that. They just look at straight numbers. They don't look at all the different things you did. When you look at his body of work, that's when you have to look at all the different ways that he won, and with who, and how he won and some of the decision making."
Belichick reportedly didn't receive the 40 out of 50 votes required to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Feb. 6, 2025: Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Dec. 12, 2024: Bill Belichick is introduced as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina, and holds up the sweatshirt worn by his father when he was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
June 12, 2024: Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick (L) embraces former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on stage during the 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tom Brady is the 35th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
(Joseph Prezioso, AFP via Getty Images)
May 5, 2024: (L-R) Tom Brady and Bill Belichick speak onstage during G.R.O.A.T The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Tom Brady for the Netflix is a Joke Festival at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
(Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images for Netflix)
Jan. 12, 2024: A pop-up tribute to longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick along Barnstable Rd in Hyannis, Massachusetts after it was announced Jerod Mayo will be the team's new head coach.
(Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times via USA TODAY Network)
Jan. 11, 2024: Head coach Bill Belichick (L) of the New England Patriots shakes hands with owner Robert Kraft (R) during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl victories with the team.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
Jan. 7, 2024: Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as the New England Patriots lose, 17-3, to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 regular-season finale. The Patriots finished 4-13, the worst record of Belichick's head coaching career. Four days later, Belichick and the Patriots parted ways, ending a 24-season run together.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Nov. 26, 2023: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during his team's game against the New Your Giants at MetLife Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aug. 3, 2019: Ty Law poses with his Hall of Fame bust with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
May 4, 2019: Danny Amendola, Linda Holliday, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady attend the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Feb. 3, 2019: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Linda Holliday celebrate after the Patriots' win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was Belichick's sixth Super Bowl win as Patriots head coach.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 20, 2019: Tom Brady is interviewed by CBS Sports' Jim Nantz after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime in the AFC championship game, 37-31, as head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft look on.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Feb. 4, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in front of quarterback Tom Brady during the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 13, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts in the cold during the AFC divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 35-14.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Apr. 19, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, President Donald Trump, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Patriots president Jonathan Kraft stand with Patriots players as President Trump holds a helmet at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl LI champion Patriots on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 5, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won, 34-28, in overtime, overcoming a 28-3 deficit as Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl as Patriots head coach.
(Daniel Powers, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 24, 2016: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the field after the AFC championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots, 20-18, to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
(Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports)
April 23, 2015: President Barack Obama poses between New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft, along with team members, during a ceremony honoring the 2014 Super Bowl champion on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
April 13, 2015: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady walk to the mound during ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox's home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is dunked with Gatorade after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Dec. 14, 2014: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
(Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports)
Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots defeated the Bears, 36-7.
(Rob Grabowski, US PRESSWIRE)
Feb. 3, 2008: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots, 17-14. New England had entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
July 13, 2005: Bill Belichick (left) accepts the award for best Coach/Manager from presenters Garrett Hedlund and Mark Wahlberg onstage at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
(Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
Feb. 1, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Jan. 18, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with linebacker Willie McGinest after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-14, in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
Feb. 3, 2002: FOX Sports announcer Terry Bradshaw talks with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft after winning Super Bowl XXXVI, 20-17, against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Jan. 30, 2002: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick directs his team practice in New Orleans, four days before playing the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)
Dec. 19, 1998: New York Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick hugs defensive end Anthony Pleasant at the conclusion of the Jets' 17-10 win over the Buffalo Bills that clinched the AFC East division title.
(WAYNE SCARBERRY, AFP via Getty Images)
Feb. 4, 1997: Bill Belichick and Steve Gutman, president of the New York Jets, pose for photographers at the Jets' training facility after Belichick was named the team's new head coach. Belichick's tenure as head coach lasted just six days, as Bill Parcells was elevated to head coach and Belichick would be assistant head coach/defensive coordinator.
(MALCOLM CLARKE, AFP via Getty Images)
Jan. 1, 1995: New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells talks with Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 1994 AFC wild-card playoff game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 20-13.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Dec. 6, 1992: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 37-21.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Sept. 8, 1991: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. The Browns defeated the Patriots, 20-0.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Feb. 6, 2025: Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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Dec. 12, 2024: Bill Belichick is introduced as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina, and holds up the sweatshirt worn by his father when he was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
June 12, 2024: Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick (L) embraces former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on stage during the 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tom Brady is the 35th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
(Joseph Prezioso, AFP via Getty Images)
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May 5, 2024: (L-R) Tom Brady and Bill Belichick speak onstage during G.R.O.A.T The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Tom Brady for the Netflix is a Joke Festival at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
(Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images for Netflix)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 12, 2024: A pop-up tribute to longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick along Barnstable Rd in Hyannis, Massachusetts after it was announced Jerod Mayo will be the team's new head coach.
(Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times via USA TODAY Network)
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Jan. 11, 2024: Head coach Bill Belichick (L) of the New England Patriots shakes hands with owner Robert Kraft (R) during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl victories with the team.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 7, 2024: Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as the New England Patriots lose, 17-3, to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 regular-season finale. The Patriots finished 4-13, the worst record of Belichick's head coaching career. Four days later, Belichick and the Patriots parted ways, ending a 24-season run together.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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Nov. 26, 2023: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during his team's game against the New Your Giants at MetLife Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Aug. 3, 2019: Ty Law poses with his Hall of Fame bust with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
May 4, 2019: Danny Amendola, Linda Holliday, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady attend the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 3, 2019: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Linda Holliday celebrate after the Patriots' win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was Belichick's sixth Super Bowl win as Patriots head coach.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 20, 2019: Tom Brady is interviewed by CBS Sports' Jim Nantz after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime in the AFC championship game, 37-31, as head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft look on.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Feb. 4, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in front of quarterback Tom Brady during the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
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Jan. 13, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts in the cold during the AFC divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 35-14.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Apr. 19, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, President Donald Trump, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Patriots president Jonathan Kraft stand with Patriots players as President Trump holds a helmet at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl LI champion Patriots on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
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Feb. 5, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won, 34-28, in overtime, overcoming a 28-3 deficit as Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl as Patriots head coach.
(Daniel Powers, USA TODAY Sports)
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Jan. 24, 2016: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the field after the AFC championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots, 20-18, to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
(Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports)
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April 23, 2015: President Barack Obama poses between New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft, along with team members, during a ceremony honoring the 2014 Super Bowl champion on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
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April 13, 2015: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady walk to the mound during ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox's home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is dunked with Gatorade after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
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Dec. 14, 2014: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
(Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots defeated the Bears, 36-7.
(Rob Grabowski, US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 3, 2008: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots, 17-14. New England had entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
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July 13, 2005: Bill Belichick (left) accepts the award for best Coach/Manager from presenters Garrett Hedlund and Mark Wahlberg onstage at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
(Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
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Feb. 1, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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Jan. 18, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with linebacker Willie McGinest after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-14, in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
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Feb. 3, 2002: FOX Sports announcer Terry Bradshaw talks with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft after winning Super Bowl XXXVI, 20-17, against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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Jan. 30, 2002: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick directs his team practice in New Orleans, four days before playing the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 19, 1998: New York Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick hugs defensive end Anthony Pleasant at the conclusion of the Jets' 17-10 win over the Buffalo Bills that clinched the AFC East division title.
(WAYNE SCARBERRY, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 4, 1997: Bill Belichick and Steve Gutman, president of the New York Jets, pose for photographers at the Jets' training facility after Belichick was named the team's new head coach. Belichick's tenure as head coach lasted just six days, as Bill Parcells was elevated to head coach and Belichick would be assistant head coach/defensive coordinator.
(MALCOLM CLARKE, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 1, 1995: New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells talks with Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 1994 AFC wild-card playoff game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 20-13.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 6, 1992: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 37-21.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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Sept. 8, 1991: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. The Browns defeated the Patriots, 20-0.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Belichick is among the seniors, coach and contributor voting categories.According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, five finalists from the seniors, coach and contributor categories will be combined into a second group for voting by selectors. No more than three, nor fewer than one may be elected. Approval from at least 80% of the selectors is required for election.
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Meaning there were at least 11 selectors who didn't vote for Belichick.
"Being so successful and winning so much makes people not like you. If you win too much, people don't like you," McGinest said. "You become the hated."
The senior finalists are Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood. The coach finalist is Belichick, while Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a contributor finalist.
Hall of Fame voters: Spygate, Deflategate factored into Belichick snub
"I thought he was in. I didn't see that coming," one Hall of Fame voter told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter and the selection process.
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One Hall of Fame voter told USA TODAY Sports that Spygate and Deflategate, the cheating scandals that arose during the Patriots' dynasty, factored into Belichick's first-ballot Hall of Fame omission.Spygate cost the Belichick-led Patriots a first-round draft pick. In addition, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000 and fined the Patriots $250,000. In 2015, theNFL suspended Tom Brady for four games, fined the Patriots $1 million and docked the team two draft picks as punishment for Deflategate.
According to ESPN, formerBuffalo BillsandIndianapolis Coltsgeneral manager Bill Polian, who is a Hall of Fame selector, told some voters he believed Belichick should "wait a year" as retribution for Spygate. Polian later denied telling fellow voters that Belichick should have to wait a year as punishment for Spygate and said he couldn't remember with certainty if he voted for Belichick,per ESPN.
"Not surprised based on the recent changes in the voting and discussion about the candidate in the room. He's deserving. I voted for him," another Hall of Fame voter told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter and the selection process.
Another Hall of Fame voter said there could've been some anti-New England bias among some voters.
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"Everybody has their biases," the Hall of Fame voter said to USA TODAY Sports. They also spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter and the selection process.
Several people around the NFL admitted that the Hall of Fame voters and the selection criteria has suffered a credibility hit as a result of Belichick's snub.
"The man has eight Super Bowls. I don't think anyone will ever duplicate the run that he had in couple of decades' span," McGinest said. "Whether you like him, hate him, love him. You have to respect what the man did. I think it goes without saying, no coach in the modern era of the NFL has accomplished what he's accomplished."
