Bill Belichick Left 'Disappointed' After Snub From Football Hall of Fame Induction: ‘Politics Kept Him Out’

Bill Belichick is said to be in disbelief over his Football Hall of Fame induction snub.

The veteran coach was reportedly not selected by the committee despite his extensive NFL achievements and eligibility for induction.

The decision has drawn criticism from several sporting figures and journalists, who have described it as outrageous and a belittling of Belichick's accomplishments.

Few coaches can match Bill Belichick's legacy, which includes six Super Bowl wins achieved during his 23-year tenure with the New England Patriots.

However, the trophy-laden career seemed insufficient to sway most members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee to hand over a first-ballot Pro inductee spot to Belichick, as confirmed by multiple insiders with firsthand knowledge.

Regarding the decision, a source told ESPN that "politics kept him out" and that the legendary coach doesn't "believe this is a reflection on his accomplishments."

Still, the decision is said to have taken an emotional toll on the UNC coach. According to reports, he was left "puzzled" and "disappointed" when he found out, as he had seemingly expected that he would be selected for induction.

"Six Super Bowls isn't enough?" Belichick allegedly said in a rant to an associate. He reportedly asked another colleague, "What does a guy have to do?"

Since reports emerged that Belichick was snubbed from the 2026 class, speculation has swirled over what may have led to the shocking decision.

One theory gaining traction is that Belichick's tenure with the Patriots was partly marred by the Spygate and Deflategate cheating scandals of 2007 and 2015, respectively.

Both controversies resulted in severe penalties for the Patriots, with Belichick himself fined $500,000 for Spygate, the largest fine ever imposed on an NFL coach at the time.

Despite sources claiming that the scandals were raised during voting discussions within the committee, the Hall of Fame declined to confirm whether this was the case or if Belichick was truly excluded.

Instead, the organization urged football enthusiasts to wait until the official unveiling early next month.

"The Pro Football Hall of Fame does not comment on the voting of the Selection Committee and awaits the unveiling of the Class of 2026 at NFL Honors on Feb. 5 in San Francisco," a spokesperson told ESPN.

Belichick's induction snub has left many sporting stars in disbelief, including the likes of Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James.

"Insane… don't even understand how this could be possible," Mahomes wrote on X.

"Man, there's no way I read that right! Right? Ain't no WAY Bill Belichick ain't 1st Ballot HOF!! That's IMPOSSIBLE, EGREGIOUS, and quite frankly DISRESPECTFUL," James commented on the same platform.

A number of journalists also expressed their disappointment at the Hall of Fame's decision.

"Holy f-ck! … I'm very, very surprised," veteran NFL reporter Peter King said in a chat with ESPN, per Us Weekly. "A lot of things happen in that room that are unexpected. And of course, this is a big surprise to me."

"Bill Belichick shouldn't just be in the Hall of Fame; he should also probably be in charge of the selection committee from now on," CBS Sports NFL reporter John Breech argued on X. "Not many people on earth appreciate the history of football more than him."

Amid the situation, Belichick has received unlikely support from Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

The veteran coach and the American businessman share a strained relationship that began in the latter years of Belichick's stint with the Patriots and has further intensified since the coach's departure.

However, their frayed bond did not stop Kraft from condemning the decision to leave Belichick out.

"Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick's record and body of work speak for themselves," Kraft said in a statement obtained by AP News.

"He is the greatest coach of all time, and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer," the team owner added.