NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a warning to its selection committee Wednesday after uproar over Bill Belichick’s exclusion from the class of 2026 as a first-ballot member.
The eight-time Super Bowl champion coach’s snub, which was first reported by ESPN, also sparked speculation about which members of the media decided not to vote for him on the first ballot.
The finger was pointed at former NFL executive Bill Polian, but he confirmed that he actually voted for Belichick.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018. (Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports)
The issue prompted a statement from the Hall of Fame.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, members of the media and Hall of Fame fans in light of published reports regarding the voting results for the Class of 2026,” the Hall said. “It’s that same passion that drives the game.
“The Hall also respects members of the Selection Committee when they follow the bylaws of the selection process. It is an honor to serve as a selector. Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee. If it is determined that any member violated the bylaws of the selection process, it is your understanding that action will be taken.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed the media at Gillette Stadium about his departure. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
TOM BRADY PERFECTED WHY BILL BELICHICK DIDN’T MAKE THE HALL OF FAME ON THE FIRST BALLOT
“That could include the possibility of such selectors not remaining members of the committee in the future. The selection of a new class is the most important duty that the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be in question.”
The new members will be revealed during Super Bowl LX festivities next week.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks with head coach Bill Belichick before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was also reportedly left off the roster despite winning two Super Bowl titles and finishing in the top 10 in key statistical categories when he retired.
