The interview, taped earlier yesterday, was Belichick's first since Walsh met with NFL officials Tuesday as part of the investigation into the Patriots' videotaping procedures. Walsh met with Senator Arlen Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, later that day and has since given interviews to HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" and the New York Times.
In those interviews, Walsh indicated he had been surprised to hear Belichick tell the Globe in February that he couldn't pick Walsh out of a lineup. Walsh asked if Belichick could pick him out of the three team pictures they were in together.
Belichick told CBS, "He's tried to make it seem like we're buddies, and belong to the same book club and all. That's really a long, long stretch."
Belichick also questioned the veracity of Walsh's recollections of the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002. Walsh told NFL investigators and Specter that he relayed information to former Patriots assistant Brian Daboll about what he had seen in the Rams' practice, for which he was present to set up equipment with other members of the team's video staff. Walsh said he told Daboll that Marshall Faulk was lining up as a kickoff returner and also where tight ends were positioned. Walsh said Daboll drew a diagram of a play.
The NFL indicated that Walsh's story was inconsistent with what it had heard from Daboll in a prior interview. NFL security officials interviewed Daboll again Wednesday, and according to the league, Daboll said he had no recollection of the conversation with Walsh. NFL officials also noted that even if such a conversation took place, it would not be a violation of league rules.
Specter referenced that episode as part of the reason he feels an independent investigation of the Patriots' videotaping procedures is necessary.
Belichick scoffed at the idea that someone in Walsh's position could be in position to provide such information.
"For him to talk about game-planning and strategy and play-calling, and how he advised coordinators, it's embarrassing, it's absurd," Belichick told CBS. "He didn't have any knowledge of football. He was our third video assistant."
