Bill Belichick deserves criticism today.

Not because he made a poor decision on fourth and two Sunday, but for the way the New England Patriots head coach carries himself after a loss.

In the seconds after Sunday’s 35-34 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Belichick chugged across the field, congratulated Colts coach Jim Caldwell for a split second and darted for the locker room, his face plastered with anger. It’s as if he had to muster every last drop of energy to congratulate the opposing coach.

Belichick’s actions come as no surprise but they are worth noting. He’s never, ever, shown respect for the opposition. Sportsmanship? Not in Belichick’s vocabulary.

His intensity, preparation, knowledge, passion and desire to win have made him a great coach, a Super Bowl champion in fact — three times — and NFL Coach of the Year twice. His former and current players call him a legend, a one-of-a-kind coach. Belichick thinks losing is acceptable. After Sunday’s loss he called it “disappointing.” All those feelings and emotions are acceptable when you’re playing a competitive sport.

But when the game is over, act like a man — win or lose. Belichick’s coaching will one day buy his ticket to Canton and the National Football League Hall of Fame. He will be judged on wins, losses and rings, not post-game handshakes. It will be a great professional honor. Belichick will go down in history as a respected coach, but what will his personal legacy be?

His players are right. There is no one like Bill Belichick — and maybe — that’s a good thing.