Belichick refuses to go into specifics regarding Patriots' protests

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement Monday following Sunday's widespread protests during the national anthem, including those from members of his own team.

However, in his signature secretive style, Belichick said the team's discussions regarding the demonstrations will be kept in-house:

I have immense respect and admiration for our players, for how they conduct themselves professionally as New England Patriots and for how they represent themselves, their families and community as men. I have coached football for over four decades and one of the greatest things about being in this environment is the diversity of people, backgrounds, viewpoints and relationships we are fortunate to experience. As with any large group of people, there is a variety of perspectives and opinions on many topics. Discussions occur between myself, individual players, groups and the entire team on an ongoing basis. They concern the team and other issues surrounding the team. I am going to keep the specifics of those conversations private. I will do what I feel is best for the team in my role as head coach and collectively, we will work together to find the best way to proceed.

Sixteen New England players knelt for the anthem, while others linked arms, including Tom Brady. The Patriots were among several teams that were met with boos from fans during their respective demonstrations, which came in the wake of Donald Trump's negative comments Friday directed at protesters.

Belichick penned a supportive letter to then-President-elect Trump in November, though he said it was out of friendship, not political support.