On Monday night, Donald Trump read at a New Hampshire rally a letter he said he received from Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Tom Curran of CSN New England reports that Belichick did indeed send “a note” to Trump on Monday.
“Congratulations on a tremendous campaign,” Trump said, quoting the letter. “You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media, and have come out beautifully – beautifully. You’ve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow’s election results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results tomorrow.”
Belichick hasn’t publicly commented on the issue, and the team has yet to issue any statement about the specific authenticity of the words Trump attributed to Belichick. Absent a denial from Belichick that the words were in any way embellished or that the note wasn’t meant to be shared with the electorate, it’s fair to assume that Belichick wrote what Trump said -- and that Belichick authorized it to be publicized.
Belichick won’t be available to reporters until Wednesday. Whether and to what extent he addresses the situation in detail may depend on whether Trump prevails today.