The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and the New England Patriots were one of the few teams to not make any moves prior to Tuesday’s deadline. Despite this, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was still asked questions on Wednesday about the team’s decision to not make any moves, which led to a contentious exchange with one reporter.
Belichick was asked about the front office’s decision to not make any trades at the deadline, and potentially how close the team was to making any moves before the deadline concluded.
He outright ignored the first question, saying that the team was focused on their upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
“Yeah, we’re done,” said Belichick. “The trade deadline is over, so we’re moving on to the Colts.”
As far as how close they may have been, Belichick responded by saying that he “didn’t know” what close even means when it comes to trade negotiations.
“Nothing happened, so we’re moving on,” said Belichick. “I don’t even know what close means. What does that mean? I’ve had conversations that have gone on for months and nothing happened,” Belichick added. “I’ve had conversations that have gone on for six to ten minutes and the trade gets done. I don’t know what that means.”
Bill Belichick Live Press Conference 11/2: https://t.co/atrW2dbb9R
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 2, 2022
Belichick could have just as easily said that the team felt it was in their best interest to keep their current roster, but he ultimately decided to put the reporter on blast for the question.
Many took to social media to blast Belichick for his typical abrasive personality rearing its ugly head yet again.
BB should have been a lawyer. https://t.co/hby4L5hs3E
— Jim Antle (@jimantle) November 2, 2022
Belichick's unforthcoming nature is transitioning pretty seamlessly into full-blown senility https://t.co/siqQXxuNKT
— Bye Jerry Sullivan (@ByGerrySullivan) November 2, 2022
People still haven't learned that Bill deals in absolutes. https://t.co/ZlkW8UWOxY
— Kevin Winter (@KevinPWinter) November 2, 2022
He doesn’t know what “close” means? Of course he does.
— Edward Prisby (@EPrisby) November 2, 2022
That is the face of your brand and franchise
— Ross Atkins Last Stand (@Dale07149987) November 2, 2022
This interaction isn’t all that shocking considering his constant lack of insight in press conferences over the years. While it is aggravating to many, this is just who Bill Belichick has always been throughout his lengthy coaching career.
