What's up y'all. Welcome back to The Morning Win. Let's talk about this Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub for a minute.
As so many have already said, it's obviously ridiculous Belichick reportedly won't be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He should've been voted in unanimously. Instead, he didn't receive the necessary 40 of 50 votes to get in, so he'll have to wait until next year.
But what I want to talk about is the reported reason Belichick didn't get in. According to ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham, the Spygate and Deflategate cheating scandals came up in deliberations, and Bill Polian told some of his fellow voters Belichick should "wait a year" as penance.
What's odd about this is Polian told Sports Illustrated he himself voted for Belichick. Then, he flip-flopped and told ESPN he couldn't remember if he voted for Belichick. In summary, don't listen to anything he says.
Let me just say, I'm inclined to believe Polian is lying. He knows exactly how he voted, and it was probably against Belichick because there wouldn't be so much doubt about it for those who believe Belichick was a lock. But whether or not Polian voted for him, this latest incident cements his case as the biggest hater in sports. And somebody like that shouldn't be on the voting committee.
Let's not forget, Polian is the same man who said Terrell Owens and Randy Moss shouldn't make the Hall of Fame. He also said before the 2018 draft Lamar Jackson should play wide receiver. Then, in 2019, he was one of just three people to not vote for Jackson as a first-team All-Pro. Since his last year as a Hall of Fame executive in 2011, all he's done is made himself look foolish.
Honestly, it's hard to say I blame Polian for being such a hater. When he was running the Bills, they lost three straight Super Bowls before he was fired. He did eventually get a ring with the Colts, but the Pats were always a thorn in Indy's side and potentially prevented him from winning more... let him tell it. Because, you know: Spygate! They cheated! I'd be salty too if I thought Belichick was the sole reason my teams weren't better. I'd be wrong, but why let logic get in the way of a good gripe.
More sports figures speak up for Minnesota
While the NFL has remained silent on what's transpired in Minnesota, where ICE agents have violently clashed with civilians and protesters, others around sports continue to speak up.
On Tuesday, that included Minnesota Vikings legend John Randle, who condemned that violence through a series of self-portraits. Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama also lightly touched on what's happening, saying he's "horrified" by what he sees in the news. As a foreigner, he also mentioned being scared to say too much because of potential consequences.
Victor Wembanyama weighs in on Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/AgCuvlcc7M
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) January 27, 2026
Quick hits: Steelers introduce McCarthy ... Stefanski responds ... and more
- Mike McCarthy was introduced as Steelers head coach, and the Pittsburgh native was immediately overcome with emotion. He also left open the possibility of a reunion with Aaron Rodgers.
- Shams Charania is apparently participating in this year's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and he hilariously gave himself a scouting report.
- Kevin Stefanski responded to Baker Mayfield's slight, but the new Falcons head coach took the high road.
- Aaron Glenn is cleaning house after one season with the Jets, firing all the coaches he handpicked.
This was For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bill Belichick HOF snub makes Bill Polian the biggest hater in sports
