Patriots HC Bill Belichick gives honest assessment on QB Mac Jones being called a ‘dirty player’

The head coach of the New England Patriots Bill Belichick is an honest speaker, particularly when discussing his own players he keeps his opinion open-heartedly without fear.

During a news conference this week, he stuck to his word and declined to respond to a question regarding whether quarterback Mac Jones is a “dirty player.”

What did Bill Belichick say about Mac Jones?

Belichick responded, “Yeah, I’m not going to sit up here and comment on that. I mean, we can ask the same questions as we go through the rest of the roster, right? about many topics, athletes, and other stuff. I won’t discuss any of that, then.”

The Patriots quarterback allegedly received a fine from the NFL for a last week low block on Eli Apple. Tyquan Thornton of the Patriots was being pursued by the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback when Jones dove in front of his legs and brought him to the ground. Jones explained that it was a “split-second decision” and he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. He said he wanted to stop Apple and help his team win.

Apple had a different perspective on it.

Apple admitted to reporters that “he tripped me. I considered it to be a dirty play. He’s already done that. I’ve observed it.”

Why was Jones under the limelight for being a ‘dirty player’?

Jones has previously made news for a potentially dishonest play. In the previous season, Jones was criticized by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns for clutching his ankle during their Week 9 encounter.

Jones is once more in the news for the wrong reasons, but as was to be expected, his coach refrained from stoking the controversy.

“My attention is currently on the Miami Dolphins. It’s not based on some other match, play, year, or what someone else said or didn’t say, “said Belichick. “In an effort to prepare for the Dolphins. In all honesty, I don’t even consider those issues.”

Belichick was then questioned about whether he believed that by not simply responding “yes” or “no” to the question of whether he saw Jones as a nasty player, he would alienate Jones.

Belichick responded, “I get along well with all the players.”

“I converse with every player. I communicate with the group daily. I speak with the players one-on-one as necessary or whenever it is pertinent. If that’s what you’re asking, then I feel at ease in my interactions with every player, coach, and staff member.” he said.

To maintain their chances of making the playoffs, the Patriots must defeat the Dolphins in Week 17. Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET.

 

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