Sports
Second Hall of Fame voter explains choosing Robert Kraft over Bill Belichick
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Another Pro Football Hall of Fame voter who didn’t check off Bill Belichick’s name for the Class of 2026 has come forward explaining his choice.
He chose New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft over Belichick, too.
FOX59/CBS4 Sports reporter Mike Chappell, who covered the Indianapolis Colts for over 40 years, was the second voter to come forward explaining his decision on why he didn’t vote for Belichick in a column posted this week.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New England Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick addressed the media at Gillette Stadium about his departure. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Kansas City Star’s Vahe Gregorian was the first to do so, also penning a column.
Like Gregorian, Chappell noted that being forced to choose up to three names from the five-man group with Belichick, Kraft and three senior members made it hard. Chappell chose two of the senior candidates, believing it was their final chance of making it into the hallowed halls of Canton.
Thus, Kraft and Belichick were left. He chose the former.
“As one of 50 selectors, I voted FOR Robert Kraft, the long-time and accomplished New England Patriots owner,” Chappell wrote in his column. “I did not vote AGAINST Bill Belichick, the long-time and accomplished head coach of that dynasty. I realize that’s a difference without a distinction, but I’m comfortable with my decision.”
Chappell went on to explain why he believed Kraft was deserving of this year’s class over Belichick.
“Kraft’s role in building the Patriots’ dynasty beginning in 1994 AND his undeniable role in helping negotiate the end of the 100-play-day work stoppage in 2011 — while his wife was gravely ill — that has resulted in long-standing labor peace,” Chappell wrote. “He’s also been involved behind the scenes in bolstering the NFL’s ever-increasing TV revenue.”
It was reported that Belichick being involved with the Patriots during the infamous Spygate and Deflategate scandals impacted him not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
For Chappell, Spygate was involved in his decision.
Then-New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
“There’s no erasing the stain of Spygate from his bio,” he wrote. “This wasn’t alleged behavior. The NFL fined Belichick $500,000 — the maximum allowed — along with docking the Patriots $250,000 and a first-round draft pick for illegally videotaping New York Jets signals in 2007.”
Chappell believes Belichick will be a Hall of Famer, but he was left with a tough choice in his eyes.
“This year’s decision in no way insinuates Belichick isn’t Hall of Fame-worthy,” Chappell wrote. “Of course he is. I believe he makes it next year. Will that mean his gold jacket isn’t as bold had he been selected in his first year of eligibility? Of course not.”
To Chappell’s last point, others have commented otherwise, saying the integrity of the Hall of Fame has diminished because Belichick, who owns the second-most wins by a head coach all-time with six Super Bowls and two while a coordinator with the New York Giants, has a first-ballot resume.
Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky even went as far as to say the Hall of Fame should rectify its decision.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announces he is leaving the team during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 11, 2024. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“There is not one person who has come out that’s made a justifiable reason for Coach Belichick to not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Orlosky said on ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday, per Awful Announcing. “This is obviously a big deal. Unless someone does, why can’t the Hall of Fame take a step back and be like, ‘You know what? We reevaluated. Everyone makes a lot of good points. The process is a flawed process. Let’s make sure that we do this the right way.’ Because the right thing is to have him in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I understand that everyone’s in this uproar like, ‘No, you can’t go back. The vote.’ Why not? Why can’t the Hall of Fame do the right thing and realize the egregious mistake that has happened.”
Others like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt, and Kraft, who called Belichick the “greatest coach of all time,” shared their displeasure with what happened.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Liverpool are considering Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon as an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, while Roma‘s defender Wesley França is a target for Arsenal.
Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool could replace Cody Gakpo with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Gakpo has been offered to clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham Hotspur, and around Europe as Liverpool attempt to gauge interest in the Netherlands international through third-party representatives. Gakpo’s departure could make way Gordon who continues to impress Reds’ officials, though Newcastle have made no secret of their intention to keep the 25-year-old on Tyneside. Gordon spent part of his youth development at Liverpool before joining Merseyside rivals Everton in 2012, where he began his professional career at Everton.
– Arsenal are stepping up their quest for Roma’s in-form defender Wesley França, with Ben White set to make way in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Brazilian right-back França has been a revelation since joining the Italians from Flamengo last summer, the 22 year old impressing with a four-goal haul. Arsenal scouts have also noted his athleticism, defensive diligence and attacking capabilities. Everton are also interested. The Gunners are also monitoring Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Nnamdi Collins and Monaco‘s Vanderson. Meanwhile, White’s departure has been sanctioned by the club if the right offer comes along.
– Barcelona and Real Madrid are both planning to test the water for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the summer, but City are not planning on allowing the 25-year-old to leave, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. Haaland is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, and City are looking to sign players in other positions around him, rather than allow their main striker to leave. Haaland has been out of form by his high standards — scoring just five goals in 18 appearances since the turn of the year — prompting suggestions he may consider a new challenge, and the two Spanish giants remain intent on trying to lure the Norway international to LaLiga as a statement signing. O’Rourke also reports that should manager Pep Guardiola leave the club, City would prefer to replace him with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, rather than other possible candidates such as Enzo Maresca or Luis Enrique.
– Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen on signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and, in doing, so fend off interest from a number of Premier League clubs, according to Tuttosport. Spalletti and Rüdiger worked together at Roma, and it remains an ambition of the Bianconeri boss to re-sign the 33-year-old, ideally on a two-year deal, to bring some stability to his back line. Spalletti sees the Germany defender as the perfect short-term addition to his squad, with his UEFA Champions League experience and leadership qualities both valuable qualities. Rüdiger is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Diario AS reports that there has been a “radical twist” in the situation, with a contract renewal for the defender now on the cards. Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa enthusiastically said on Saturday that he’d “build a statue to Rüdiger and put it in my garden.”
– Atlético Madrid have bid €35 million plus bonuses for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, according to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedulla. The Italian club are hoping to recoup closer to €40 million for the Brazilian. Éderson was a key member of the team as Le Dea won the Europa League and finished fourth in Serie A in 2023-24, and since then he has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs for several seasons. The 26-year-old’s contract in Bergamo is due to expire at the end of next season.
EXPERT TAKE
0:53
Nicol: Slot shouldn’t get sacked if Liverpool miss out on a UCL spot
Steve Nicol debates Arne Slot’s future after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers in the region of €50 million. (Caught Offside)
– Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, particularly to Manchester United, Bruno Guimarães is committed to the north-east. (Newcastle Chronicle)
– Inter Milan and Juventus are tracking the situation of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, hoping the 21-year-old could form an integral part of their midfield rebuilds in the summer. (Ekrem Konur)
– Arsenal could allow a number of players to leave in the summer as they look to freshen up their squad and build on what they hope will be a title-winning season. (Daily Telegraph)
– Liverpool winger Giorgi Mamardashvili is a target for European clubs and he could be tempted with the promise of more game time. (Football Insider)
– Rangers boss Danny Röhl has expressed his desire to extend Mikey Moore‘s deal beyond the end of the season, whether it’s a loan move or permanent deal. The 18-year-old was on the scoresheet for Rangers against Aberdeen on Saturday. (Daily Mail)
– Xabi Alonso is the leading contender to replace Arne Slot should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties as Liverpool Manager. Slot came under fresh pressure following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. (Football Insider)
Sports
PSL matches to go ahead without spectators under govt’s austerity drive amid regional crisis: Naqvi
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a major announcement on Sunday, said that the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid ongoing regional crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore. He added that the decision aims to reduce public movement.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
No. 12 High Point put everyone on notice for the second time in as many games this March Madness, but could not find the same success.
After advancing to the Round of 32 following an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin, the Panthers’ season ended after No. 4 Arkansas ran away from them late Saturday night.
High Point led by as many as five early in the game, and they were up 56-52 with 14:17 to go after going on a 12-2 run.
Both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes, with no one expanding their respective leads by more than three points for a little while.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
With 7:04 to play, the Panthers took a 72-71 lead, to which the Razorbacks responded with a 10-2 run, putting them up by seven and giving them their largest lead of the night.
The game was then quickly tied at 83 after a wild run by High Point, but over the final 3:19, Arkansas outscored High Point, 11-5, to snatch the victory, despite a valiant effort from the Panthers.
High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
Arkansas was favored by 11.5, and while they couldn’t cover, it was another Sweet 16 appearance for legendary head coach John Calipari.
Two Panthers, Rob Martin (30) and Cam’Ron Fletcher (25), combined for 55 points, but Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas trumped everyone by dropping 36.
Arkansas will face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State in the Sweet 16.
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and forward Braden Hausen (15) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
High Point’s victory over Wisconsin on Thursday marked their first ever in March Madness after making the tournament last year for the first time.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool eye Gordon to replace Gakpo
Prince William ‘finalises’ one crucial detail for coronation ceremony
Give Your Phone a Huge (and Free) Upgrade by Switching to Another Keyboard
Tips and Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Electronics
UAE savings strategies 2026 explained: Best apps, tools, budget rules and smart money hacks to beat rising cost of living in emirates – The Times of India
Iran threatens US-linked oil facilities after Kharg Island bombed
-
Tech1 week agoTips and Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Electronics
-
Business1 week ago
UAE savings strategies 2026 explained: Best apps, tools, budget rules and smart money hacks to beat rising cost of living in emirates – The Times of India
-
Politics1 week agoIran threatens US-linked oil facilities after Kharg Island bombed
-
Entertainment7 days agoStrategic oil stocks to be released ‘immediately’ in Asia and Oceania: IEA
-
Entertainment1 week agoIran at war
-
Entertainment1 week agoMeet one of the last true paparazzi
-
Sports1 week agoCollege Basketball Invitational abruptly cancels 2026 tournament
-
Sports1 week agoTransfer rumors, news: Real Madrid open to Camavinga exit, as Premier League clubs circle