It's hard enough to get Bill Belichick to talk to the media, much less talk about them.
But the New England Patriots head coach pulled back the curtain Wednesday for a special occasion.
Belichick joined Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens and Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy on WEEI's "Ordway, Merloni & Fauria" for a rare "coach's roundtable" as part of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon.
At one point, each coach was asked how they approach the media. As expected, Belichick gave the most brief answer, but his response was still interesting.
"Things are a lot different than they were at a different point in time. It is what it is," Belichick said, via WEEI.com. " ... Everybody is trying to do the best they can. I think there are times when -- I think when it gets personal, I think that is crossing the line.
"You can think whatever you want about my coaching — good, bad, I have heard all of it. That is your opinion and I have no problem with that. I think when it gets personal with players and other people within the organization, I don’t think that is where it belongs, but I don’t have any control over that. Whatever it is, it is. I just try and do the best I can for our football team."
New England Patriots
Belichick's answer checks out, as trying to get him to talk in specifics about his players -- especially when injuries are involved -- is like pulling teeth. Just look at his comments from earlier this week about reinstated wide receiver Josh Gordon, which included a pair of snarky remarks and a loud snort.
The Patriots coach wasn't alone in his opinion, though. Stevens, who's as polite as they come while dealing with reporters, admitted he gets irked when he feels his players are being unfairly criticized in the media.
Belichick certainly sets the bar in Boston when it comes to keeping the media at arm's length. But at least he's willing to admit where he draws his battle lines.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.