Bill Belichick is being criticized for holding a grudge against NFL writer

As with most of the Patriots scandals during the dynasty, "Spygate" is back in the news again, but this time for an unusual reason.

Generally, when any allegations involving New England cheating during the Bill Belichick era are brought up in recent years, it's either because a random player is trying to get attention or a begrudged retired player or reporter wants to constantly mention the controversies to lessen the impressive run of the Patriots during their 20-year domination.

This time, however, "Spygate" is being discussed again in a profile on legendary sports writer Peter King for The Athletic.

On the surface, it may seem a bit random. But Belichick and King were once close friends, as discussed in the article. The part that has generated a lot of buzz online is where King reveals details regarding his long-gone relationship with the New England head coach, noting it has been nearly 17 years since the pair spoke.

But why did Belichick choose to end his friendship with the tenured journalist? Because of his coverage of the scandal in 2007, says King.

"That’s the cost of doing business sometimes. He’s one of the greatest coaches of all time. I’m not sure I put him above Paul Brown, but he’s right up there with the greatest to ever coach in any sport. But I think what he did in 2007 was wrong."

Without getting into all the details of "Spygate" and how ridiculous it was, how it was covered makes it the least bit shocking that Belichick would feel some way about his friend seemingly turning their back on him.

Regardless if King thought he was simply doing his job, it would, of course, form some bitter emotions within Belichick or any person in his position and likely would lead to an ending to their friendship, not to mention the fact that King is double/triple/quadrupling down on his take about Belichick being guilty of cheating 16 years later still.

The same thing happened between Belichick and former Patriots coach Eric Mangini, who was the initiator of the scandal and went to the NFL about the allegations. The two have not spoken since, and to this day, Mangini appears to take many opportunities to right his wrong when discussing the Patriots on TV, as he is known for being quite complimentary of his former team.

Interestingly enough, five years after he made the accusation, Mangini revealed he regretted what he had done and suggested he had no intention of making it as big a deal as it became.

"I didn't think it was any kind of significant advantage, but I wasn't going to give them the convenience of doing it in our stadium, and I wanted to shut it down. But there was no intent to get the league involved. There was no intent to have the landslide that it has become."

Even with that confession out there for the last 11 years, Belichick remains content on never speaking to Mangini again, which is probably exactly how he feels about King as well.

Can you blame him? Apparently, some in the media and fans can, even though it doesn't make any sense when you put yourself in Belichick's position. Most of us would feel the exact same way.