Barstool Chief's Scathing Critique of Coaching Legend
Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports, has launched a blistering attack on coaching legend Bill Belichick, openly questioning his mental state following another dismal performance from the University of North Carolina football team. The shocking comments came during UNC's 28-12 road loss to Wake Forest on Saturday, which dropped the Tar Heels to a disappointing 4-6 for the season.
Portnoy took to social media platform X to express his utter disbelief at what he was witnessing from the six-time Super Bowl champion. 'Watching UNC is so frustrating,' he posted. 'It's like an alien stole Belichick's brain. Just horribly coached. Horrible decisions.' His criticism quickly escalated in a subsequent post where he bluntly stated, 'Belichick needs to retire. This is disgusting. I'm not even sure he knows the score or where he is.'
Family Strain Compounds On-Field Misery
The coaching troubles represent just one facet of Belichick's challenging first season at Chapel Hill. The 73-year-old is simultaneously navigating apparent tension within his own family. During last week's UNC game, his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Schmitt, were observed deliberately keeping their distance from one another.
Schmitt, who at 35 is eleven years older than Hudson, is married to Belichick's son Stephen, who serves as the defensive coordinator at UNC alongside his father. The relationship between Schmitt and Hudson has been a source of public speculation since April, when a controversial CBS interview sparked significant backlash.
During that interview, Hudson caused uproar by interrupting from off-camera to stop a visibly uncomfortable Belichick from answering a question about their relationship. CBS later revealed that Hudson had interfered on multiple occasions, not just the once that was broadcast. In response to defenders who claimed Hudson was acting as a publicist, Schmitt publicly shot down that notion, writing, 'Publicists act in a professional manner and don’t “storm” off set delaying an interview.'
Concern Extends Beyond Portnoy
Portnoy is not alone in his concerns about the legendary coach. Former New England Patriots player Ted Johnson questioned whether his old coach was 'of sound mind' to allow Hudson such influence in his life. Meanwhile, NBA icon and long-time friend Charles Barkley expressed deep concern during an appearance on The Dan Patrick show.
'This is a very slippery subject for me because Bill is one of my really good friends,' Barkley stated. 'I think he has got to be very careful right now, this is starting to be on a very slippery slope... I am concerned with what I am hearing. It is not a good look right now, I will admit that.' Barkley, who has been friends with Belichick for over 30 years, even suggested he might reach out personally to check on his friend's wellbeing.
Amidst the turmoil, Belichick has ruled out an imminent return to the NFL, specifically addressing rumours linking him to the New York Giants vacancy. In a statement posted to Instagram, he affirmed his commitment to UNC, saying, 'Despite circulating rumours, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies... My commitment to the UNC Football program has not wavered.' He concluded with a familiar refrain for Patriots fans: 'We're on to Wake Forest.'
