Bill Belichick’s tenure at UNC has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and the latest twist? The program is quietly pointing fingers at the New England Patriots for their bad press. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a legitimate gripe, or just a convenient scapegoat for a program struggling to find its footing? Let’s dive in.
As someone familiar with Belichick’s approach, it’s clear he tends to frame his narrative in one of two ways: the hero or the victim. Right now, the victim card is being played on repeat. Following a barrage of reports detailing the apparent unraveling of Belichick’s first venture into college football, UNC insiders are whispering that the Patriots might be behind the negative headlines. Dianna Russini of The Athletic hinted at this in a recent report, suggesting that some within UNC believe the criticism has roots in New England. But is there any truth to this, or is it just a deflection?
The facts tell a different story. The initial bombshell report, which exposed locker room divisions, coaching staff disorganization, and overall dysfunction, came from Pat Welter of WRAL-TV—a local Raleigh outlet. If the Patriots orchestrated this, it would be a masterstroke of manipulation, but there’s no evidence to support such a claim. None of the critical articles originated from reporters with ties to the Patriots or the NFL. Even the story about potential exit strategies was penned by a North Carolina sports outlet. If the Patriots were pulling strings, it would be a story in itself—especially since one of the most damning pieces was written by three of Russini’s colleagues, none of whom cover the NFL.
And this is the part most people miss: blaming others has become the go-to strategy for a program that seems unwilling to take responsibility for its own struggles. Russini’s report highlights that insiders believe the criticism is a deliberate attack on the program. But who are these insiders? Likely Belichick and embattled GM Mike Lombardi, who has a history of pushing back against unflattering narratives. The truth is, Belichick and Lombardi are doing plenty to damage the program on their own, particularly Lombardi, whose player management has been, to put it mildly, a disaster.
Here’s the kicker: Is it easier to blame the Patriots than to confront the program’s internal failures? It’s a question worth asking. While it’s tempting to point fingers externally, the real issues at UNC seem deeply rooted in leadership and execution. So, before grinding an ax against the Patriots, maybe it’s time for some self-reflection. After all, blaming others might feel good in the moment, but it won’t fix the problems plaguing the program. What do you think? Are the Patriots unfairly taking the heat, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
