Dick Vermeil
I Feel Guilty Being In Hall of Fame
… After Belichick Snub
Published
TMZSports.com
Dick Vermeil has seen everything the NFL can throw at you, but leaving Bill Belichick out of Canton has him completely shocked.
The Hall of Fame coach didn’t hold back with TMZ Sports while talking about Belichick’s first-ballot snub, saying the new voting process flat-out doesn’t work for coaches – and the Patriots legend being left out proves it.
Vermeil said he felt the same frustration last year when Mike Holmgren got passed over, pointing out that under the Hall’s revamped system, coaches keep getting squeezed out while other positions cruise in.
Vermeil didn’t hesitate when it comes to Belichick, saying, “If anybody belongs in the Hall of Fame regardless of voting, it’s Bill Belichick,” and expressing guilt about being inducted without him.
Belichick was one of five finalists in the coach, contributor, and seniors categories, but voters can only select up to three, while candidates need 80% approval.
Vermeil also mentioned Mike Shanahan and Tom Coughlin as deserving candidates, highlighting the lack of respect elite coaches receive compared to star quarterbacks.
Vermeil dismissed controversies surrounding Belichick, citing his extensive experience in the league and stating that similar issues have existed throughout history.
If arguably the greatest coach ever isn’t a Hall of Famer yet, there is a clear problem with the Hall of Fame selection process.
