When news surfaced that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wrote a letter to Republican Presidential candidate – and now President elect – Donald Trump yesterday, people and commentators alike jumped onto the "story". Did he really write it? What does this mean for locker room chemistry? Beautifully?
Naturally, today’s press conference drew plenty of media interest but, as expected, did not offer a coach opening up on his political or personal views. Instead, Belichick shut down questions about the above-mentioned letter with only one word: Seattle.
First things first, though. Belichick opened his press conference by talking about Seattle, New England’s opponent on Sunday night, praising the team and saying that he had "tremendous respect" for head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.
Belichick then addressed the proverbial elephant in the room by talking about the letter he did indeed write to Donald Trump (video via Mike Petraglia):
Belichick addresses "The Letter" to Trump. Then follows up every question on topic with "Seattle" pic.twitter.com/aTkgY6whdB
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) November 9, 2016
Belichick, as he did multiple times in the past, shut down any questions about the pre-election letter he wrote to the soon-to-be 45th President of the United States. The only two that arose were quickly answered by what could be best described as this year’s version of "We’re on to Cincinnati": Seattle.
The Patriots’ head coach then went back to take football questions, answering them thoroughly no matter if they dealt with preparing for quarterback Russell Wilson or defending tight end Jimmy Graham.
When further questions about the letter arose and the Patriots’ PR team urged to ask the final question, Belichick went back to talking about Seattle:
We’re just trying to focus on Seattle here. That’s where all our energy and focus is on.
Business as usual in Foxboro.