Just the thought of Bill Belichick having any interest in participating in a “Hard Knocks” chronicling the machinations of his North Carolina squad is compelling but hard to believe.
Anyone leaning toward “hard to believe” was tilting in the right direction. Turns out CBS Sports, which first reported the strong possibility of Belichick’s Tar Heels starring in HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Offseason” (the same series that captured Giants GM Joe Schoen slipping on Saquon Barkley’s banana peel), followed up reporting the deal fell through over issues concerning “creative control.”
Nonetheless, sources maintained that production companies, other than HBO/NFL Films, the producers of the “Hard Knocks” franchise, could reach a deal with UNC to produce “Project Belichick,” finding a way around the creative control “issue.” See, in circumstances like these, “creative control” is a catch-all, subjective phrase.
One meaning could be this: A power-player who doesn’t like the deal, for whatever reason, shoots it down. Like Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is chairman of the NFL’s Media Committee. He might have a few reasons to be the obstacle in the way of his former coach getting such a valuable opportunity provided by NFL Films.
According to Pro Football Talk: “Multiple owners are not happy with Bill Belichick getting an NFL Films platform.”
If the owners are the stumbling block let’s see one of them volunteer his team for the starring role in “Hard Knocks: Offseason.” That’s what led to HBO/NFL Films reaching out to UNC.
Kraft and his brother owners saw the Giants cockeyed decision to allow the Barkley situation to play out on “Hard Knocks: Offseason” and did not want their GM/front office to get caught in a similar “trap,” which could return to haunt them.
The NFL did not want to see Belichick’s stuffy image, which includes heaping helpings of paranoia directed at the media, continue to be repaired big-time. His appearances on several media platforms, (Belichick stuck with them even after agreeing to take the Carolina gig), revealed a likeable guy willing to share his football wisdom (if not many smiles) with the unwashed masses.
Yet, playing himself in “Hard Knocks: Offseason” would be the piece de resistance, the role of a lifetime for Belichick, 72. So, maybe an NFL suit went Godfather on UNC officials, channeling his inner Hollywood movie mogul Jack Woltz and telling them: “Bill Belichick never gets that movie. That part is perfect for him. It will make him a big star.”
No one is confusing the Coach with (the) Don Corleone’s favorite crooner, Johnny Fontane, but Belichick starring in “Hard Knocks: Offseason” would also bring UNC’s football program much needed publicity, especially on the recruiting circuit. Apparently, they need some help. According to USA Today, UNC has seven commitments for the class of 2026. None are nationally ranked. All seven have a 3-star rating.
Beyond the benefits it would bring to UNC’s football operation, it would be appointment viewing for a wide variety of fans, especially those looking for the opportunity of seeing Belichick at work in a different football environment.
Yes, it would be shameful if this project, which would leave an indelible footprint in football history, gets totally scrapped over “creative control.”
Which really is just an ambiguous excuse.
NOT SO FRIENDLY FIRE
As stated in this space before, the decision to keep “Inside the NBA” alive on ESPN next season is a bad one.
Another example of the perils of the “partnership” occurred last week when Charles Barkley accused ESPN NBA operatives of waving pom-poms for the Lakers and Warriors while giving short-shrift to the Cavs and Thunder.
“I saw a fool, idiot on the TV talking about the Lakers saved the NBA,” Barkley said Thursday on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” “He’s an idiot and a fool, he knows who he is … [ESPN NBA analyst] Kendrick Perkins. … The Lakers have had a great two weeks. He’s talking about how the Lakers saved the NBA season. Them fools on the other network, who we’re gonna be working for next year, that’s all they talk about.” Ouch!
Does anyone really think the move to ESPN, is going to silence Barkley? Or stop him from being Barkley? That’s why he is Barkley. Yet, this could ultimately mean that dishing and dumping on his new ESPN “colleagues” will be part of Barkley’s routine once the move is made?
Too late to turn back now. It’s either going to be an annoying distraction or an anticipated attraction?
SPENDING BAD
Every dollar Mets owner Steve Cohen spends on his roster is immediately compared to the moolah Hal Steinbrenner pulls out of his pinstriped wallet.
This (especially with the Valley of the Stupid stuck on the Big Apple QB situations) has sucked up too much airtime.
Nonetheless, 880-AM’s Michael Kay put a twist on the topic. “The Yankees have been spending money [since Hal took over],” Kay said. “They have just not spent it well.”
Sure sounds like the TV voice of the Yankees was taking a shot at GM Brian Cashman without saying the words “Brian Cashman.” Hooray! Kay must assume us dummies are clever enough to know who he is referring to.
A WARNING FROM RICK
The closer St. John’s gets to copping its NCAA Tournament bid, the more Rick Pitino is asked will the Johnnies be the last stop on his made-for-TV career.
His answer is not definitive (“I’m not looking anywhere else but the next practice”). Pitino, 72, always leaves the door cracked open. He’s Still Slick Rick. Yet with his current team, Pitino seems to be dialing down expectations.
At least he has with FAN’s Brandon Tierney/Sal Licata. Pitino warned the two Gasbags. “This team is not a dominant basketball team. They are full of grit. [But] there are not any Chris Mullin’s on this basketball team,” Pitino said. “Let’s not get carried away. Let’s be very thankful….This team is a fighting team but there is no lock with this team.”
Maybe so. Now, SJU fans are figuratively flying. Pitino’s caution will not bring them down. It will give him a soft place to land if St. John’s is ousted early from the NCAA Fiesta.
MORE PITINO
Meanwhile, Vice TV is cashing in on Pitino Mania, extending its docuseries, “Pitino: Red Storm Rising,” through the length of SJU’s playoff run. The next episode will air April 7.
AROUND THE DIAL
TV sports’ longest and most publicized contract negotiation ended this week with the New York Times reporting Stephen A. Smith inked a five-year renewal with ESPN reportedly worth $100 million doughnuts. … The same SAS has started referring to Giants GM Joe Schoen as “Joe Shame.” … Noah (The Nest) Eagle will call all first-round games of the Big East Men’s Tournament on Wednesday, and two afternoon quarterfinal games Thursday, on Peacock. Donny Marshall is the analyst with John Fanta snooping on the sidelines. … While he was in Knoxville working Alabama-Tennessee hoops, a group of UT players pooled some of their NIL money and presented Dick Vitale a donation of $10,000 for his foundation for cancer research. Class move by these Volunteers.
* * *
DUDE OF THE WEEK: JIMMY JOHNSON
The Hall of Famer delivered a smooth and definitive exit from the Fox NFL Sunday studio show, unlike so many other messy and awkward departures.
DWEEB OF THE WEEK: JORDAN SCHULTZ AND IAN RAPOPORT
Really? A verbal confrontation in a Starbucks between NFL Insiders. Clearly both men need to recalibrate exactly how important they are in the grand scheme.
DOUBLE TALK
What Aaron Boone said: “The biggest thing is getting him [Giancarlo Stanton] right. If that costs us a little hit on the front end, so be it.”
What Aaron Boone meant to say: “I’ll be satisfied if he’s back in time for the playoffs.”
