Bill Belichick’s press conference on Friday lasted just three minutes, as the New England Patriots coach grew frustrated with questions about embattled receiver Antonio Brown.
Brown is facing allegations of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit. A second accuser, who has not taken civil or legal action, has accused Brown of sexual harassment. After Brown reportedly sent intimidating text messages to that second accuser on Wednesday, Belichick briefly issued an opening statement about Brown on Friday.
“I know there are questions about Antonio,” Belichick said. “We take all the situations with our team seriously. There are some things we’re going to look into. I’m not going to have a comment on any of the off-field situations or questions on that, so anything on football, I’m happy to answer.”
Here’s a transcript of the brief press conference, which led to Belichick’s early departure:
Do Brown’s allegations complicate Belichick’s personal feelings about Brown and his ability to coach the receiver?
“When we work on football, we work on football,” Belichick said.
Can Belichick discuss Brown’s role this weekend against the New York Jets?
“No, I’m not going to get into that,” Belichick said. “We’re going to do what’s best for the team, just like we always do.”
When it comes to doing what’s best for the team, how does Belichick weigh a player’s performance on the field and their behavior off the field?
“Well, that’s a big-picture question,” Belichick said. “We answer it as best we can. There’s no set formula.”
How important is a player’s behavior off the field?
“Everything is important,” Belichick said.
Will Brown be available to play on Sunday?
“He’s on our roster,” Belichick said.
What is his status with the team?
“I think I’ve already addressed this,” Belichick said. “We’re going to get ready for the Jets here. Happy to answer football questions, but the rest of it — I’m done with the rest of it.”
Does it ever get to the point where enough is enough with the off-field issues?
“I’m good. Thank you,” Belichick said, leaving the podium. “We had enough of those,”
More to come.
