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The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a warning to its selection committee Wednesday after outcry over Bill Belichick’s exclusion from the Class of 2026 as a first-ballot candidate.
The eight-time Super Bowl champion coach’s snub, first reported by ESPN, also sparked speculation about media members deciding not to vote for him in the first round.
The finger was pointed at former NFL executive Bill Polian, but he confirmed that he did indeed vote for Belichick.
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New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018. (Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports)
The issue prompted a statement from the Hall of Fame.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members, and figures at the Hall itself in light of the published reports regarding the voting results for the Class of 2026,” the Hall said. “It’s that passion that propels the game.
“La Salle also respects the members of the selection committee as they follow the regulations of the selection process. It is an honor to serve as a selector. Each year, La Salle reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person selection committee. If it is determined that one or more members have violated the regulations of the selection process, they understand that action will be taken.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke to the media at Gillette Stadium about his departure. (John Tumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
TOM BRADY PERPLEXED BY BILL BELICHICK’S FAILURE TO GET TO THE HALL OF FAME ON FIRST BALLOT
“This could include the possibility that these selectors will no longer remain on the committee in the future. Selecting a new class is the most important task the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of this process cannot be questioned.”
The inductees will be revealed during Super Bowl LX festivities next week.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks with head coach Bill Belichick before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)
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Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was also reportedly left off the inductee list despite winning two Super Bowl titles and finishing in the top 10 in key statistical categories when he retired.
