Charles Barkley 'disgusted' by the suggestion of Bill Belichick being on hot seat

The New England Patriots have had a few disappointing seasons lately, but Charles Barkley says it’s ridiculous to think head coach Bill Belichick is on the hot seat.

Since winning their last Super Bowl with Tom Brady in 2018, the New England Patriots haven’t advanced past the wild card round of the NFL Playoffs. They even missed the field altogether last season and in 2020, finishing in losing records in both years. Prior to ’20, the Pats hadn’t had a losing season since 2000.

Compared to the golden era with Brady, the results are disappointing. But given Belichick’s track record and the lack of an elite player under center now, perhaps the Patriots coach should get some slack.

Popular NBA analyst and former hooper Charles Barkley is ready to give it to him. He joined the Bill Simmons Podcast last week and discussed some NFL topics, including the Patriots, Simmons’ favorite team.

Barkley took up for Bill Belichick and accused New England fans like Simmons of trying to run the longtime coach out of town. “You guys got to stop treating my guy Belichick bad,” said Chuck.

Simmons responded incredulously: “Who’s you guys? What do you mean? I love Belichick!”

So does Barkley, who claims to be close with him. “I love Belichick. I consider him a good friend,” he added, shifting the blame to TV personalities.

“I’m so disgusted with some of these punk (expletive) guys on television talking about Bill being on the hot seat and things like that,” Barkley quipped.

Simmons dismissed the notion again. “Oh, he’s not on the hot seat,” he assured Barkley. “That’s not happening.”

Chuck noted that “it shouldn’t even be close to the hot seat” to Simmons, who agreed and explained that he’s actually optimistic about his hometown team ahead of this season.

“They’re going to be good! I’m picking them to make the playoffs. Pats are going to be good this year,” the notorious Boston sports fan declared.

“I agree with you,” nodded Chuck.

The two went on to debate the merits of the AFC East, which they agreed is perhaps the strongest division in all of football alongside the AFC North. For the Patriots, the schedule is tough, with three 2022 playoff teams in the first four games of this season, and the other being a matchup with new divisional rival Aaron Rodgers as a member of the revamped Jets.