If anything was obvious from the demeanor of Patriots coach Bill Belichick during Tuesday’s media day circus, it’s that he seems to consider the whole proceeding beneath him.
He’s not necessarily the only one, but it was interesting watching him alternate from engaged and mildly bemused to analytical and focused to abrupt.
But when he slid out from behind his podium, it was clear to see where this event ranked on his to do list for Tuesday.
Belichick rolled in wearing these sweet flip-flops, eager to show off his feet in the temperate climes of Arizona. (And if nothing else, this might top Florio’s picture of a Gillette Stadium bathroom.)
It’s not that he’s a slob. He just doesn’t care much for this whole production.
There were several moments of humanity from the longtime coach, who was hired 15 years ago today.
When injured linebacker Jerod Mayo’s daugher Chya stopped by with a camera crew in tow to ask him his favorite stuffed animal, he cracked what even the most jaded reporter would consider a smile.
But not every adorable child gimmick worked, as one young “reporter” asking him advice for aspiring coaches was met with a “All we’re thinking about is Seattle.”
That was roughly the same answer he gave when asked about former Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney’s suggestion that the Patriots may have created a “culture of cheating,” to which Belichick replied “We’re worried about Seattle.”
But there were other moments when he came off as remarkably human, if not amused.
There was a protracted discussion his relationship with and appreciation for Jon Bon Jovi — “Going back to the Slippery When Wet album.”
There was even a moment when he seemed to create a bond with reporters, harkening back to his days as a fan when he realized “It’s necessary, . . . I want information.”
But mostly, he was the normal gruff Belichick, who obliged the masses with an hour of performance art he cared not for, which put him about 55 minutes ahead of Marshawn Lynch.
But at least Lynch wore shoes.
AP
