Whether the New England Patriots win or lose, one thing you can count on is the same mumbled press conference from head coach Bill Belichick. His answers are short and straightforward, if he even answers the questions being asked.
And then there’s the part where you try to decipher what he may have just mumbled. A Bill Belichick presser is like trying to write on a chalkboard with a pencil. It’s nearly impossible to get what he’s saying or what his intentions may be. And you know he loves it that way. It’s his way of being an enigma.
Charles Barkley is a person who’s in media now, and was once loved by media for his quotes during his playing days and even now as an on -air analyst. The former NBA superstar turned-“NBA on TNT” has had his fair share of quotable moments. But he also knows how the media can spin things, so in the case of others that relationship may not have been as fruitful.
Talking candidly on the “Let’s Go Podcast,” “Sir Charles,” opened up about why he feels BB is so cautious and unforthcoming with the media.
“We know that New York, Philadelphia, Boston, are three of the toughest places to play in the world. Those three cities. And I think he he probably learned when he was an assistant with the Giants and things like that. I can’t give them any ammunition. Because winning football games is hard enough. I can’t give them any ammunition.
“And I’m not gonna say we never had no conversation about this, but I take his relationship with the media is: I’m trying to win. I don’t have time for this extracurricular BS that goes on talk radio, or in a newspaper. I’m gonna give y’all zero.”
Belichick comes off as a curmudgeon, showing little emotion and acting as if he has little time for the uninformed media questions. He never smiles, even when his team won six Lombardi trophies the smile was faint and short-lived. He learned a lot being under former boss Bill Parcells with the Giants, but Parcells was much more engaging with the media.
Belichick Really Hates New Media (Social Media):
In a rant during last season, which by his standards is like two to three complete sentences. Belichick went in on the new-age media in a presser, discussing how his team was dealing with some bad performances and how social media trolls may be targeting his players.
“First of all, I don’t really know or care anything about social media,” Belichick said. “I don’t even know what’s out there or isn’t out there, so that’s irrelevant to me.”
Words of wisdom…. pic.twitter.com/dMwJqTUCPt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2021
“We played football before social media,” Belichick added.
Did Belichick Once Show Softer Side By Apologizing To Media?
Following a December 2021 27-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a very upset Belichick was in rare form as he entered his postgame presser.
“I’ve said it like five times, I could say it another five times,” Belichick griped. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win tonight, including giving up 225 yards rushing.”
After a couple days to reflect, the naturally media-distant Belichick apologized in another presser.
“I’ll just start off here; look, fellas, I apologize if it seemed like I was a little short with you after the game. Obviously, a frustrating game. Down 20-0. Didn’t do anything well enough, I mean, there isn’t really much to say at that point without watching the film.”
Bill Belichick started his press conference by apologizing to the media.
"I apologize if it seemed like I was a little short with you after the game … it's not your fault." pic.twitter.com/A3B4wdb37e
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 20, 2021
If history tells us anything, as long as he’s the coach of the Patriots, expect many more uncomfortable pressers between BB and the media. Now, thanks to Barkley, we know why. He’s not a jerk. It’s just part of the genius and understanding his surroundings.
