Patriots coach Bill Belichick has acknowledged that he was wrong for grabbing an official after Sunday night’s game and issued an apology.
In a statement released by the team, Belichick said he accepts the NFL’s $50,000 fine for his actions, which came as he was exiting the field following New England’s 31-30 loss at Baltimore.
“It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore,” Belichick said.
That statement shows more contrition than Belichick did on Monday, when he said he meant no disrespect and just wanted to ask the official whether the Ravens’ game-winning field goal would be reviewed. Time to reflect, and money taken out of his pocket, has led Belichick to issue a mea culpa.