Bill Belichick on Donald Trump letter: ‘My comments are not politically motivated’

Patriots coach Bill Belichick explained why he wrote a letter supporting Donald Trump for president.

Bill Belichick addressed the letter he wrote to Donald Trump at his press conference on Wednesday, saying it was “not politically motivated.”

Trump read from Belichick’s letter during a campaign rally in New Hampshire on Monday night.

“Congratulations on a tremendous campaign,” Trump said, reading from the letter. “You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media, and have come out beautifully – beautifully. You’ve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow’s election results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results tomorrow.”

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On Wednesday, hours after Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States, Belichick explained his decision to send a letter to the divisive candidate.

Video: Belichick says his letter to Trump was about friendship, not politics pic.twitter.com/a75VX12JFu

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) November 9, 2016

“Our friendship goes back many years,” Belichick said. “Anybody who’s spent more than five minutes with me knows I’m not a political person. My comments are not politically motivated. I have a friendship and loyalty to Donald. A couple weeks ago we had Secretary of State [John] Kerry in our locker room, another friend of mine. I can’t imagine two people with more different political views than those two. To me, friendship and loyalty, it’s just about that. It’s not about political or religious views. I write hundreds of letters and notes every month. It doesn’t mean I agree with every single thing that every person thinks about politics, religion and other subjects. I have wonderful friendships that are important to me. That’s what that was about.”

Trump also claimed at the Monday rally that he earned Tom Brady's vote, though it's unclear whether that's true.