Trump demands Hall of Fame vote be ‘overturned’ on Bill Belichick, then connects it to one NFL rule change that’s ‘unwatchable’

President Trump is not happy about the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s recent decision on legendary coach Bill Belichick. The president posted on Truth Social, asking the Hall of Fame to overturn its vote that kept Belichick off the first ballot. But Trump didn’t stop there. He also connected this decision to a major complaint he has about the NFL today.

According to  People, Trump thinks the same poor thinking that left out Belichick is also behind one of the worst recent changes to the game. He said this thinking “gave pro football the new and unwatchable ‘Sissy’ Kickoff Rule, that made it possible for Bill Belichick to not be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” The president made his feelings clear, saying, “Both are ridiculous and should be overturned!”

Belichick’s exclusion is a big story. The 73-year-old won six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and two more as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. Despite this amazing record, he didn’t get enough votes to become only the fifth head coach in NFL history to make the Hall on his first try.

The controversies that may have cost Belichick his first-ballot honor

Voters were likely influenced by Belichick’s past controversies when making their decision. Spygate and Deflategate reportedly affected their thinking. It’s unfortunate that some of the greatest coaching achievements might be overshadowed by those issues, especially considering all the championships he won.

The link between Belichick and Trump goes back years to when Belichick coached in Foxborough. In 2016, Belichick wrote a letter supporting Trump right before the election, which Trump read out loud at a rally. The president has praised NFL coaches for leadership in the past. The letter praised Trump’s tough campaign and his ability to keep going.

“You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media and have come out beautifully, beautifully,” the letter said. Belichick added, “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, Bill Belichick.”

Belichick isn’t the only Patriots legend waiting for the Hall of Fame call. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is also close to President Trump, is still waiting for his own spot. Kraft, 84, has been passed over 13 times now. Trump’s relationship with the NFL hasn’t always been smooth, as he’s faced mixed reactions at stadiums during public appearances.

Retired Patriots player Julian Edelman recently spoke up for Kraft on his Games With Names podcast. Edelman said, “You know who’s looking like a f—ing G right now? RKK [Robert Kraft].” He noted that Kraft is “the only owner to bring three different coaches, three different quarterbacks to a Super Bowl.” Edelman added, “This is his 12th Super Bowl. My guy needs to be in the Hall of Fame. They’ve got to put him in.”