Mike Vrabel opens Patriots' door to Bill Belichick after UNC ban
Mike Vrabel addressed the drama involving Bill Belichick during his weekly radio spot on WEEI after the former Patriots coach all but confirmed that New England scouts were not welcome at North Carolina, where Belichick now coaches.
Belichick commented for the first time on the multiple reports about UNC’s policy toward Patriots scouts following the Tar Heels’ win over Charlotte on Saturday, saying, “It’s clear I’m not welcome there around their facility and so they’re not welcome at ours.”
Appearing on “The Greg Hill Show” on Monday, Vrabel noted Belichick returned to Gillette Stadium in June 2024 for Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“I guess [Belichick’s] welcome back based on the fact that he was there, so I’ll just go by that,” Vrabel said. “Since his departure as a head coach here, he’s been back, and I’ll leave it at that.”
Belichick’s cantankerousness toward the Patriots has become more apparent since the two sides went their separate ways in January 2024 after Belichick led the team for 24 seasons and led New England to six Super Bowl titles.
ESPN reported that Belichick’s relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft had been strained since his run as head coach came to an end, and a source told the outlet that Belichick’s comments were in reference to being treated with respect rather than him physically being there.
Just last week, Kraft told WBZ-TV that he hoped to put up a statue of Belichick next to the one the organization built of Brady.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Rules Out Three Players Well Ahead of Week 2
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have survived Week 1 on a last-second field goal, but the team will be facing their Week 2 opponent down three players.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already ruled out three players for Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
As expected, safety DeShon Elliot has been ruled out due to suffering an MCL sprain. However, he is joined by Derrick Harmon and Malik Harrison.
The good news is that Tomlin revealed that both Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig could play. Herbig was ruled out ahead of Week 1, and Porter was ruled out in the third quarter.
To make up for the loss of Elliott, the Steelers have already made a move on veteran safety Jabrill Peppers. Multiple reports indicate that Peppers is insurance for Elliott, who is expected to return to the lineup by Week 4.
Harmon remains sidelined due to a knee injury he sustained in the final preseason game. Though he was expected to return in Week 2, it appears that his 2025 NFL season debut might have to wait until Week 3.
Harrison also suffered a knee injury late in Week 1 and has already been ruled out for Week 2. The Steelers' defense continues to be banged up by injuries, but it does not appear that any will be long-term.
Pittsburgh did get a great win against the Jets, which was propelled by a four-touchdown performance from Aaron Rodgers. The offense is not the side that is lacking currently, and the defense will need to find its way to perform through multiple injuries when the team faces the Seahawks.
Tomlin is no stranger to having to piece things together due to injuries, and Elliott coming on board is a big insurance policy. It will be interesting to see if any more additions will be made between now and Week 2.
