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Mike Sando
@SandoNFL
·
7h
I'm a HOF voter who saw Belichick as slam-dunk. I don't know anything about voting results, but if this is true, and we'll find out officially next week, the question is, how could this happen?
Before I list possibilities, understand this:
Belichick, Kraft, Craig, Anderson & Greenwood are competing for 1-3 spots, separate from the 15 modern-era finalists
50 voters each pick 3 of the 5
Between 1-3 make it (40+ votes needed for anyone besides top vote getter to make it)
So it's a ZERO-SUM game, huge change made in '25: 250 total votes to go around for five candidates with a high bar for clearance
Now we count the potential ways Belichick might get fewer than 40 votes even when 40+ on committee think he's a HOFer...
•Let's say 4-5 voters who were strong advocates for specific senior players figured Belichick was going to make it regardless, so they funneled votes to competing candidates in hopes of boosting them over the 40-vote threshold;
•Let's say a few voters prioritized senior players on the thinking that Belichick will be back in the room next year, while the players on the ballot this year might disappear into the senior pool forever
•Let's say a few voters found Spygate/cheating disqualifying
•Let's say a few voters protested new rules making coaches eligible one year after retiring instead of five
Whatever the case, I would see this as a repudiation of the new voting rules implemented for 2025, not of Belichick or any candidate not making it.
So I guess this means that Brady isn't getting in First Ballot either.
I mean if the SB-wins, and total win in-general, weren't disqualified in the first place - and he's going to get inducted next year - then what's the point?
2028 ... but youre right ... How can a coach like Reid get inducted first ballot? Do they really follow Belichick like that? Other than Brady, I dont feel it will affect other first ballot players but we will see? I like the prestige that goes with first ballot selection, but many feel its overrated and unnecessary. Some believe that all players should wait further, while queues are cleared. I get that, but a player that was the best of the best, like Brady or Montana should never have to wait.
Not at all Robert ... I think they did it to actually get Belichick enshrined so more openings could happen. There are alot of successful coaches that Jack Silverstein brought up and there will be a future backlog. You still got Reid, Tomlin, Payton, Harbaugh, McVay and possibly McCarthy, if the Steelers could win it all again.
The wait is fine. What is not fine is competing with seniors and contributors ... takes too much subjectivity.
