Bill Belichick calls on US to act against Turkey and Azerbaijan for ‘unprovoked and deadly attacks on Armenians’ – CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) – Bill Belichick’s press conference took an unexpected turn in world politics on Wednesday morning.

It happened after the Patriots head coach was asked to give his reaction to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller using Belichick’s ‘do your job’ mantra in a letter to Department of Defense employees. .

“Well, I really appreciate Secretary Miller’s kind words,” Belichick said during a video conference with reporters from the Patriots. “When you consider the kind of leadership he has shown throughout his career serving our country, it really means a lot. I am flattered by the reference he made.

Belichick then took the opportunity to speak in favor of US action against Turkey for its support for Azerbaijani attacks against Armenians.

“I’m just going to say, while we’re on the topic, I read his point on tackling traditional threats. And I couldn’t help but think and hope that we have seen other countries around the world, and I hope our country will take action against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their attacks not provoked and deadly against the Armenians, ”Belichick said. “We have seen that when a humanitarian crisis and things like that, like ethnic cleansing, go unpunished, they just keep happening. Hope we can put an end to this.

Belichick has already spoken out in this particular area in a video for the Instagram page of Director of Football Administration / Head Coach Berj Najarian.

“I have learned that throughout Armenian history, regardless of any adversity or tragedy, the Armenian people have continued to prosper and persevere,” Belichick said in this video. “I hope and pray for peace, justice and the safety of the brave soldiers who fight for the recognition and freedom of their nation.”

Najarian, who has been with the Patriots since February 2000, typically operates in the background as Belichick’s “right hand”. But he has been outspoken on matters relating to Armenia, including during a Patriots trip to the White House after winning a Super Bowl. Najarian said he told Barack Obama directly that the president must ignore pressure from Turkey and recognize the genocide in Armenia.

Belichick wore an Armenian flag on his lapel on this trip to the White House.