Dan Orlovsky roasts Bill Belichick over Patriots ban at practice, predicts ripple effect on UNC

by: Alex Byington 25 minutes ago _AlexByington

Earlier this week, news broke that first-year North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick “banned” New England Patriots scouts from attending Tar Heels practices while limiting the viewing access of other NFL personnel, according to popular sports podcaster John Middlekauff. The report was later confirmed by NBC Sports insider Mike Florio.

It’s a somewhat surprising move for the 73-year-old NFL lifer who won six Super Bowls in 24 seasons as the Patriots head coach. The decision has drawn quick rebukes from many around the NFL, including multiple former players that now commentate on the league.

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky became the latest to take Belichick to task for what many suspect is decision based in pettiness stemming from hurt feelings over his 2023 firing. Orlovsky flattly called the move “stupid” while pointing out the real victims of the Patriots ban — while also limiting practice viewing for other NFL scouts — are the North Carolina players, and future Tar Heels recruiting efforts.

“I want to be respectful here, (but) I think this is stupid. And I think it’s wrong. One, you’re hurting your players. If I’m a kid there, I want to have a chance to go to the NFL. Part of the process is (NFL scouts) come to evaluate me. Part of the process is (scouts) come to see me at practice and whatnot,” Orlovsky said Friday morning on ESPN’s First Take. “If I’m a high school recruit, and you don’t allow NFL scouts to come watch me practice, (I might reconsider my options). … If I had a son, I would want to make sure my son that my son is getting seen by everybody possible. … I do think it’s going to impact recruiting. That’s my point.”

Read More