In my review of the new NFL Films documentary on Bill Belichick, I noted that the film included a sideline encounter the Patriots’ coach had with Derrick Mason during a 2009 game. I thought the profane exchange between the two of them was just some good-natured trash talk, but Mason suggested today that he was angry about it.
Mason, who played for the Ravens at the time of the incident, weighed in on Twitter today about the exchange with Belichick.
“Just saw that belichick video thing all u ppl are commenting about. He might As well called me boy! Lol total Disrespect,” Mason wrote. “Had I said that to him, everyone would have been in a uproar! I have to much respect for the game to speck to a coach in that manner!”
Frankly, anyone who saw the video can see that Mason’s complaints are preposterous. During the exchange in question it was Mason who approached Belichick on the Patriots’ sideline with the Patriots leading in the fourth quarter, and after their exchange (which ended with Belichick urging Mason to look at the scoreboard) Mason walked away laughing.
So why is Mason speaking up today as if he’s angry at Belichick? It strikes me as mostly an attempt to get a rise out of people. Mason is with the Jets now, and he wants to get in on one of the league’s big rivalries.
UPDATE: Mason clarified on Twitter that he’s not upset with Belichick -- but he is upset with me.
“Ppl I’m not the least bit upset with coach messiah excuse me again I mean coach bb.. Lol I didn’t remember the incident until today,” Mason wrote in response to this post. “And michael David smith, I would love to talk with u about the incident. U know how to get in touch with me.”