Bill Belichick has rarely reacted publicly to comments made about him by Patriots owner Robert Kraft since the two men parted ways 18 months ago after a remarkable 24-year NFL dynasty in New England.
But on the heels of recent comments by Kraft that he took a "big risk" by hiring Belichick in 1999, Belichick responded in a statement to ESPN that it was he who took a "big risk" by joining a flailing franchise with few resources that was $10 million over the salary cap.
"As I told Robert multiple times through the years, I took a big risk by taking the New England Patriots head coaching job," Belichick told ESPN in response to questions.