Bill Belichick Explains Patriots OTAs Violation, Punishment

As the New England Patriots return to the practice fields at Gillette Stadium for the remainder of OTAs, coach Bill Belichick is not about to let previous infractions serve as a distraction.

FOXBORO — Following a brief, yet tendentious hiatus from organized team activities (OTAs,) New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is ready to get back to work. 

The 71-year-old ‘HC of the NEP’ met with reporters on Wednesday for the first time during New England’s offseason training program. Though he was eager to discuss his team’s return to the practice field adjacent to Gillette Stadium, he was not about to indulge in adding any kindling to the fires of controversy surrounding the Pats recent violation of offseason rules.    

“It’s in the past,” Belichick tersely said. “We’ve moved on. Looking forward to getting out on the field today.”

The violation — and subsequent punishment levied by the NFL last week — stemmed both from misinterpretation and miscommunication of league guidelines surrounding optional team meetings during a strictly voluntary period of team preparation. Ultimately, the infraction cost the Patriots two OTAs (sessions scheduled for May 25 and May 30), and left Belichick with a hefty $50,000 fine. 

Multiple reports have since attributed the meetings to Patriots assistant coach Joe Judge. He scheduled classroom-style meetings, which (if attended) would have required players to stay at the facility beyond the permitted four-hour window. While it was evident that Belichick remains unhappy about the incident, he shouldered full blame for the occurrence, in hopes of finally putting the subject to rest.  

“I’m responsible for it … That’s it.” Belichick sternly stated. 

Following their full week away from the field, a period to which Belichick referred as a “good, long weekend,” the Pats have returned to action as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season. Despite some sensationalized claims that his job may be in jeopardy, Belichick is keenly focused on ensuring his team is ready for 2023. Still, he was also cautious to set realistic expectations for what should and what will be be learned from the media’s first look at the 2023 iteration of the New England Patriots. 

"It's not about stars, starters, anything like that. It's about all of us, building a good foundation,” Belichick said. “It's about all of us sharpening our skills - players, coaches … all of us.”

New England’s next OTA session open to the media will take place on June 8 at Gillette Stadium.

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