Belichick in mid-season form in interview this morning

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t budge Wednesday morning when pressed on why he didn’t play Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII, saying he was only focused on the start of 2018 training camp.

While Belichick was locked in on the new season, Boston Globe writer Dan Shaughnessy attempted to engage him on Butler in the following exchange:

Shaughnessy: Bill, I know you’re all about this year, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask about last year.

Belichick: Last year is last year. I’m not focused on that.

Shaughnessy: What about the fact that everywhere we go, folks want to ask about Malcolm Butler. Sports. Coaches. Players … You’re a sports fan.

Belichick: We’ve talked about that multiple months ago.

Shaughnessy: Is there going to be any more explanation about why he didn’t play?

Belichick: I’m focused on training camp.

Shaughnessy: Would you do it any differently?

Belichick: Training camp? We’re going to start and work on that right now. We’re going to do the best we can.

Shaughnessy: Does it matter to you, do you care, that the fans want to know more about this?

Belichick: I’m focused on doing the best I can for the 2018 New England Patriots. That’s my job, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s what I’ve always done in the past, every day that I’ve coached here, I’ve done the best I can for this football team and I’ll continue to do that. Right now, my focus is on the 2018 season. Not 2017. Not 2014. Not 2007. Not 2004. Not 2001. Not 2000. I’m not focused on any of those seasons. They’re done.

Shaughnessy: For this season’s team, is it important for you to address the Malcolm Butler thing with your team?

Belichick: It’s important for me to have a good season in 2018. I’m going to do everything I can to do that, to do the best I can for our football team. That’s my job, that’s my responsibility, and that’s what I am going to try to do. Hopefully you can respect that, but maybe not.

Shaughnessy: Thank you.