The New England Patriots will begin their 2025 season on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. And while the season-opener will be on the forefront of the mind of fans, there is an underlying story taking place pertaining to former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. According to Kalyn Kahler of ESPN, Belichick has banned Patriots scouts from having any sort of access to players on the North Carolina roster.
"North Carolina and first-year coach Bill Belichick have banned the New England Patriots' staff from accessing the Tar Heels' program, sources told ESPN," Kahler writes. "When reached by ESPN, North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi said, 'Good luck' and then hung up the phone. UNC also declined comment."
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has since responded to this.
"Mike Vrabel calls Bill Belichick’s ban of Patriots scouts at UNC practices 'an individual choice,'" Taylor Kyles of Patriots CLNS reports on X.
It's clear that Vrabel is trying to remain cordial, as he played for Belichick and helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. We'll see if this carries on any further or if any other news arises from it.
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