Robert Kraft's decision to fire Bill Belichick as the Patriots' head coach after two decades seemed like the expected path of a deteriorating relationship and perhaps the end of the ongoing reports of behind-the-scenes drama. That was even more the belief once Belichick signed on to join the University of North Carolina, but that has been far from the case so far.
Before even getting back into the game of football, Belichick made his feelings known on more than one occasion about his former team and the owner. Countless interviews and reports have made it clear that their relationship is beyond strained and might not be repairable, despite the amount of success they accomplished together.
Kraft hasn't been a stranger to letting out his feelings, either, which has presumably escalated the situation to its current state. And according to the latest rumors, there is no end in sight between the Patriots and Belichick.
Bill Belichick proves his feud with the Patriots and Robert Kraft is far from over
During a new episode of his podcast "3 and out with John Middlekauff," Middlekauff revealed that the UNC head coach has banned all Patriots scouts from attending UNC practices
That was further proven true by GM Mike Lombardi, creating the latest drama between the iconic duo in the NFL world.
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While there is certainly a level of understanding behind Belichick's frustration from his years in Foxboro, this move feels a bit extreme and actually impacts the players he's coaching. It might not be a massive loss to ban one NFL team from practices, but that's one less team viewing players from his roster who could draft them into the league.
It's starting to get to a level of petty that doesn't seem necessary. Kraft is far from perfect; we know that, and Belichick has made it abundantly clear at this point. However, this is starting to get a bit out of control, especially when Kraft just spoke about erecting a statue in his honor next to the newly revealed Tom Brady one outside of Gillette Stadium.
It doesn't appear as though anything can fix this relationship at this point, not even an olive branch like that from Kraft. Belichick is apparently set in his ways, and that includes taking a shot at the Patriots' owner as often as he can.