Bill Belichick calls out Wes Welker

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By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick delivered strong comments about Wes Welker's hit that knocked cornerback Aqib Talib out of the AFC Championship Game.

Belichick opened his season-ending news conference Monday morning by talking about Welker, unprompted by any questions from reporters.

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'I was asked about the hit on Talib, and I feel badly for Aqib,' Belichick said. 'The way that play turned out -- I went back and watched it, which I didn't have a chance to yesterday.

'It was a deliberate play by the receiver to take out Aqib. No attempt to get open. I'll let the league handle the discipline on that play, whatever they decide. It's one of the worst plays I've seen. That's all I'll say about that.'

Welker was not penalized on the play, which came early in the second quarter, as he ran a crossing route from right to left. Talib didn't return to the game, which Belichick said Sunday was a key turning point in New England's loss to the Denver Broncos.

A former Patriot who had some of the best years of his career with New England from 2007-2012, Welker said after the game that he did not deliberately intend to injure Talib.

'It was one of those plays where it's kind of a rough play and I was trying to get him to go over the top, and I think he was thinking the same thing and wanted to come underneath and we just kind of collided,' Welker said after Denver's 26-16 victory. 'It wasn't a deal where I was trying to hit him or anything like that.

'I hope he's OK. He's a great player and a big part of their defense.'