Former Patriots Star Torches Bill Belichick Over Jordon Hudson Romance: 'He's Being A Hypocrite'

Bill Belichick is facing criticism from one of his former players, Asante Samuel, over his relationship with Jordon Hudson.

Belichick worked with Samuel during his tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots, where he developed a reputation for his strict, no-nonsense, distraction-free approach.

Samuel now says that the dynamic has shifted in Bill Belichick's current role as the head coach of the University of North Carolina, as his relationship with Hudson continues to dominate headlines.

Asante Samuel, a former Patriots player, has called out Bill Belichick over the apparent change in his football approach since his relationship with Jordon Hudson.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, Samuel recalled how Belichick was known for his strong aversion to distractions during his tenure with the Patriots, but now seems to be unbothered by them in his role at UNC.

He went on to slam the legendary coach as a "hypocrite" for not maintaining the same standards in his new position.

"Ultimately, coach is being a hypocrite. He's being a hypocrite, the way he's carrying on. He told us to stay off the media and don't have family distractions and things like that," said the former footballer who played under Belichick for five seasons from 2003-2007.

He added, "Coach has all this stuff going on? Coach, where did this come from? Why wasn't we able to enjoy ourselves like this now that you want to enjoy yourself, know what I'm saying?"

Reflecting further on his time with Belichick, Samuel said the veteran coach "set the standard" for football during his trophy-laden tenure with the Patriots, while expressing further shock at the changes in his approach.

"Everybody that looked up to coach Belichick and believed in the Belichick way, this is the Belichick way, man, he set the standard," Samuel added in his conversation with the outlet.

Part of the drama surrounding Belichick and Hudson includes a controversial interview and her frequent appearances on the sidelines of UNC games.

Despite the backlash that Belichick and Hudson's actions continue to generate, Samuel believes it isn't necessary for the coach to return to his strict Patriots-era mode if his new approach makes him happy.

"Ultimately, I just believe be happy in life," the former player said. "End of the day, you have to be happy and whatever that looks like, be happy, find happiness."

Samuel continued, "If it's going to be a little embarrassing and you don't mind, other person doesn't mind, ya'll are happy together and it's authentic, go with it, just be happy."

At UNC, Belichick's tenure began with a rough start that saw him suffer four straight losses.

He now seems to have gained some momentum, having won two straight matches ahead of his team's upcoming visit to Wake Forest on Saturday.

Regarding the new role, Samuel admitted that the struggles Belichick has faced are expected and that for things to eventually go his way, he will have to make a lot of changes.

"He's going to go through growing pains, and, man, he's been in the NFL so long, adjusting to coaching kids and younger athletes with a new NIL era and things like that, it might take a little while for him to adjust to the system," the one-time cornerback said.

He added, "Obviously, he has to grow out of his ways, the old ways that he used to do things, definitely is not going to work. The cat's out of the bag, no one is going for that anymore, that has been exposed. I think with him trying to change a little bit, be more open, and things like that."

In recent weeks, speculation had swirled that Belichick's contract at UNC might be bought out after his rough start to the season.

In response, the veteran coach noted in interviews that he remains committed to the program.

Now, after the Giants recently fired their coach, Belichick has again reassured the public of his intention to stay at UNC amid new speculation about a return to the NFL.

"I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families," Belichick penned in a statement, per the New York Post.

"The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey. It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells' staff for over a decade. However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies."