Readers react to Invoice Belichick Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame snub
Readers Say
After Belichick fell wanting first-ballot induction into the Class of 2026, Boston.com readers largely referred to as it a snub — although some eluded to Tom Brady and Patriots-era scandals as complicating components.
Invoice Belichick owns one of the embellished teaching résumés in NFL historical past, with eight Tremendous Bowl titles — six because the Patriots’ head coach. However the legendary coach fell wanting changing into first-ballot induction this yr, failing to get the 40-out-of-50 votes wanted for the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame’s Class of 2026.
The choice sparked reactions throughout the NFL, together with from former Patriots and different high-profile gamers. The Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame issued an announcement defending its choice course of and warning that bylaw violations might carry penalties.
We requested Boston.com readers whether or not Belichick lacking the lower this yr was a snub — or a good consequence.
Ought to Invoice Belichick have been voted into the Corridor of Fame this yr?
Of the greater than 450 readers who voted, 93% believed Belichick ought to have made the Corridor of Fame this yr, whereas 6% stated ‘no,’ and one other 1% voted ‘I’m undecided.”
Most readers stated his teaching résumé alone ought to have carried him.
“The resume speaks for itself,” one wrote.
One other boiled it right down to the sheer variety of Tremendous Bowl rings: “If that’s not sufficient, nothing is.”
And a few centered on how lengthy he stayed on the high: “No person has wherever close to his file of sustained success.”
“He was nice with Brady. He was at finest common with out,” one reader wrote.
One other put it extra sharply: “Brady and Belichick collectively gained loads of championships. With out Belichick, Brady gained one other one. With out Brady, Belichick by no means even made it to the playoffs…”
Some readers pointed to the scandals which have adopted Belichick’s groups, and argued they’re a part of the legacy voters are weighing.
“He was a cheater,” one wrote.
One other stated the Corridor ought to account for greater than wins and rings: “HOF honors the entire particular person, their character, and never simply as a coach.”
Others argued the first-ballot response is out of proportion to the result: “First poll is good, but it surely’s not like different elections are in some way second-class.”
Forward, learn a sampling of responses from our readers.
Responses have been evenly edited for grammar and readability.
Ought to Invoice Belichick have been voted into the Corridor of Fame this yr?
Sure!
“Constructing a 20 yr dynasty wouldn’t have occurred with out Coach Belichick. He constructed that crew up brick by brick.” — Christy
“He’s one of the best of all time. They need to not solely let him in, they need to rename the corridor itself after him.” — Invoice, Brighton
“The Corridor of Fame will not be a magnificence pageant and politics shouldn’t be a part of the choice standards.” — Dan V., North Shore
“Merely put: The Best Coach ever within the NFL. This can be a travesty!” — A Boston.com reader
“The professionals outweigh any and each con.” — A Boston.com reader
“If his isn’t adequate, take away all coaches and homeowners!” — Joseph Okay., Pittsfield
“His resume speaks for itself. The one coaches remotely near him are George Halas… and Don Shula… It’s disgraceful and a stain on the NFL HoF voting course of.” — Tom D., Roswell, GA
“His file and statistical info speaks for itself. He’s positively probably the most profitable NFL coach of the fashionable period! 8 Tremendous Bowls says all of it.” — A Boston.com reader
“It’s a NO BRAINER!” — A Boston.com reader
No!
“He was nice with Brady. He was at finest common with out.” — Eddie P., Medford
“It’s clear that Tom Brady was the explanation. Invoice is a barely under common coach.” — A Boston.com reader
“Simply have a look at his file with out Brady.” — Bruno G., New Bedford
“Brady and Belichick collectively gained loads of championships. With out Belichick, Brady gained one other one. With out Brady, Belichick by no means even made it to the playoffs…” — A Boston.com reader
“He was a cheater.” — Derek C., Boston
“HOF honors the entire particular person, their character and never simply as a coach. An ideal coach, however he was a person of poor character and integrity…” — A Boston.com reader
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