FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Divorces are never easy. It’s the admission that whatever lit the wick of a relationship and the fire that burned afterward has since faded. And maneuvering toward that realization that ultimately leads to a departure from that relationship can sometimes create irreparable damage. In New England, as the Patriots have agreed to mutually part ways with their legendary head coach Bill Belichick, the orchestrator of all six of the team’s championships, it was going to be fascinating to see how this uncoupling was going to play out on Thursday.
Heading into the seismic noon ET press conference, it felt like media members were gathering together and heading to the team auditorium for a funeral of sorts. And when the team spokesman announced minutes before Belichick and Kraft emerged that they’d simply read statements and not field questions, the potential for an icy ending seemed to be on the horizon.
And then Belichick started his goodbye presser with, of all things, a Tim Tebow joke.
“Haven’t seen this many cameras since we signed Tebow,” he said with a sly smirk.
At that moment, it became clear that Robert Kraft found the elegant solution to arguably the biggest decision he has ever made as owner of the New England Patriots. Days after the club’s 4-13 season came to a close, the reality was that it was best for the two sides, a pairing that turned a laughable franchise into an NFL blue blood, would be best served apart. And on the surface and forward facing to the media, there appeared to be no bad blood spilled.
“It’s with so many fond memories and thoughts that I think about the Patriots,” Belichick said. “I will always be a Patriot. I look forward to coming back here. But, at this time, we’re going to move on. I look forward, am excited for the future. But, I am always very appreciative of the opportunity here, the support here, and Robert, what you’ve…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-part-ways-will-bill-belichick-robert-kraft-gets-elegant-divorce-with-franchises-greatest-head-coach/
Author : Tyler Sullivan
Publish date : 2024-01-11 21:40:05
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