NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick’s recent media tour promoting his new book “The Art of Winning” has generated buzz for all the wrong reasons. The former Patriots coach’s appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America became the target of one of sports media’s most outspoken critics.
Sports radio icon Chris “Mad Dog” Russo didn’t hold back in his assessment of the interview, calling it “one of the most awkward interviews I’ve ever seen in my life.” Russo’s scathing critique targeted not just Belichick but ABC’s journalistic approach, suggesting the network compromised integrity for ratings.
Chris Russo Slams ABC for ‘Awkward’ Bill Belichick Interview: ‘They Sold Their Journalism for Ratings’
“What ABC did there, ABC gave carte blanche to Belichick,” Russo fumed in his assessment of the Good Morning America segment. “Bill, we want you on. Tell us what questions you want to ask. And that is… Horrific.”
Chris Russo did not like Michael Strahan’s Bill Belichick interview, via Suzy Shuster on @richeisenshow pic.twitter.com/ajG9u7iiBN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 19, 2025
The ESPN personality continued his blistering takedown, criticizing the respected news organization for prioritizing celebrity access over journalistic standards.
“ABC was horrific, that essentially they sold their journalism shops to make sure Belichick, cause he was in the news, was on the air. That was a horrific job by a worthy news organization,” Mad Dog said.
Russo specifically called out former NFL star Michael Strahan, who conducted the interview, though he acknowledged the difficult position the host was placed in. “They put Strahan in a tough spot, because we all know Strahan is, again, he’s not Mike Wallace, he’s an ex-football player. No knock against Strahan, but that’s an impossible situation.”
The radio host’s frustration centered on missed opportunities to ask substantive questions about controversial topics from Belichick’s storied career.
“One of his old coaching brethren, he’s not gonna put him on the spot. And if you’re gonna have Belichick on the air in that situation, you ask him about Malcolm Butler. You gotta ask him about not Bob Kraft in your book.”
Russo further elaborated on the neglected areas of questioning that viewers deserved answers to. “You gotta ask him about how it ended with New England. You gotta ask him why, somehow, he didn’t get the Atlanta job two years ago. There are so many things you gotta ask him, and they ask him nothing. It was ah, oh my God, it was bad.”
The controversy surrounding Belichick’s media appearances has been amplified by his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, which has dominated headlines. Hudson made waves by interrupting a CBS interview and declaring questions about their relationship “off-limits,” a stark contrast to Belichick’s historically controlled media persona.
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Despite the media circus, Belichick’s arrival at UNC has already impacted the program positively. The school has sold out its full 20,000 season ticket allotment for 2025, suggesting fans remain focused on his coaching prowess rather than his sometimes awkward media appearances.
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