Ex-NFL GM Invoice Polian confirms Belichick Corridor of Fame vote, denying studies

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The studies that former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wouldn't be enshrined into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in August sparked sturdy reactions throughout the sports activities world.

Belichick, who received two Tremendous Bowl rings as an assistant earlier than teaching the Patriots to 6 titles, fell wanting the Corridor of Fame’s 50-vote threshold. Lengthy presumed a first-ballot Corridor of Famer, Belichick’s omission raised questions on how the votes fell.

Bill Polian , a former Indianapolis Colts normal supervisor and Corridor of Fame inductee, discovered himself on the heart of a lot of the talk.

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Invoice Polian issued an announcement confirming his Corridor of Fame vote for Invoice Belichick, denying a report that he informed fellow voters the previous NFL coach ought to wait. (Joe Robbins/Getty Photographs)

Polian initially mentioned he solid a vote in favor of the North Carolina soccer coach, earlier than saying he couldn't say with 100% certainty whether or not he did. In his newest try and clear the air, Polian mentioned he did test the field subsequent to Belichick's name.

"I voted for coach Belichick within the Corridor of Fame choice assembly," Polian mentioned on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday as he learn a ready assertion.

"The Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame has confirmed that reality via the auditors of the choice course of. Once more, I’ll state that I by no means mentioned that I consider that Coach Belichick ought to quote, wait a yr, shut quote, for enshrinement. This has been confirmed by the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, quite a few selectors who have been within the room, and my vote for coach Belichick."

Polian mentioned he has all the time aimed to be goal in his voting.

FILE - New England Patriots head coach Invoice Belichick appears to be like on through the second quarter towards the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 4, 2018. (Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports activities)

"As a Corridor of Fame member and selector, I understand the import of what we do. I’ve all the time tried as a selector to make these troublesome decisions with the utmost of objectivity. I’ve mentioned on SiriusXM Radio and quite a few different media shops that I consider Coach Belichick to be a first-ballot Corridor of Famer, my vote confirms that."

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Polian referenced an ESPN report, citing sources who informed the outlet the Tremendous Bowl-winning normal supervisor was one of many voters who informed others Belichick ought to "wait a yr" earlier than induction. Along with Wednesday's assertion, Polian additionally informed Sports Illustrated that the accusations have been "completely and categorically unfaithful."

Invoice Polian clarified he voted in favor of Invoice Belichick's Corridor of Fame induction, denying a report that he informed voters the previous Patriots coach ought to endure a ready interval. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Photographs)

"I used to be shocked to study Invoice did not get in. He deserves to be within the Corridor of Fame," Polian told ESPN .

ESPN reported that Belichick was "puzzled" and "dissatisfied" when he realized he was not accepted this yr and puzzled what extra he needed to do as a head coach to get in instantly.

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This yr — and for the primary time — Longtime Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft was additionally a corridor of fame finalist. It's unclear whether or not Kraft or another finalist have been elected into the 2026 class.