Is Bill Polian covering his tracks amid reported role in Bill Belichick's HOF snub?

Polian, however, couldn't remember whether he had voted for Belichick after it was reported that he had missed the cut.

"Polian said he voted for [Patriots owner Robert] Kraft and even spoke up on his behalf during the deliberations, saying Kraft had no knowledge of the Spygate scheme," wrote ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham. "Polian added that he could not remember with 100% certainty if he voted for Belichick, saying he was 95% sure he voted for the coach and a player, 'most likely' [former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end] L.C. Greenwood." 

Perhaps Polian, 83, forgot who he put on his ticket and needed to double-check if it included the coach. But it's hard to believe he wouldn't recall voting for someone of Belichick's stature. 

It's also fair to question whether he still holds grudges and if that influenced his decision. The Patriots beat the Colts in multiple playoff games during Polian's tenure (1998-2011). That included a 24-14 loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game during the 2003 season. 

Belichick clearly should've been a first-ballot HOFer. He won 333 games (including playoffs) in 29 seasons with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns, the second most in NFL history behind former Miami Dolphins HC Don Shula (347).

Considering that, one could theorize that many HOF voters must hold a personal vendetta against the coach. Whether that group includes Polian remains unclear. Only he knows whether he's telling the truth. Altering his account, though, isn't a great look.