Report: Publicist promised Bill Belichick that CBS interview would be 'about the book,' not Jordon Hudson

On April 27, CBS Sunday Morning aired an interview with new North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, which has since gone viral. In the interview, Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, interrupted the interviewer, Tony Dokoupil, after he asked about Belichick’s relationship with her.

The awkward situation brought a media storm of attention on their relationship and, more specifically, Hudson’s professional connection with North Carolina and Belichick. After the interview aired, Belichick released a statement that claimed the interview was supposed to solely be about his new book: “The Art of Winning – Lessons from My Life in Football.”

CBS refuted this report, with a spokesperson stating Belichick had agreed to a “wide-ranging interview.” Since then, both parties have stood by their claims and there’s been no shortage of investigation into each of them. Alas, on Thursday, TMZ released a report that included a new perspective from sources familiar with Belichick’s book publicist, David Kass.

“Sources familiar with the situation tell us … back on April 9, Simon & Schuster’s senior director of publicity, David Kass, wrote to Belichick, ‘I can assure you that the conversation [will be] about the book,'” TMZ reported.

“‘This is a book segment,’ Kass added, ‘that looks at your life in football and what people can learn from you to achieve success in their own lives.'”

Moreover, TMZ reported that Belichick had previously turned down interview opportunities because he was suspicious they would veer away from questions about his book. Nonetheless, Kass insisted the 73-year-old head coach do the interview with CBS Sunday Morning.

Belichick obliged and was reportedly “furious” with how with the interview went. Kass didn’t attend the interview with Belichick. Thus, Hudson filled his role, attempting to keep the interviewer’s questions focused on the three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year’s new book instead of his personal life.

Kass told TMZ that they’d anticipated the interview to include some questions about New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft or Jordon Hudson. However, they’d expected the questions to tie into those figures’ roles in Belichick’s book.

“Kass ensured Belichick in writing that he had talked to a CBS producer ‘about sticking to the book and shared that if they do, they’ll get a great interview, and he was really open, saying he’s not interested in going beyond the book.’

“Kass did warn Belichick on March 26 ‘there would likely be one question about what you’re up to now.’ Additionally, on April 8, he stated CBS would not provide any questions to them in advance, clearly making Belichick aware there was at least some chance of surprises.”

As of this report, CBS has not released a statement in response to Kass’ claims. Simon & Schuster declined to comment when TMZ reached out for comment.