Tom Brady rips ESPN's reporting, denies celebrating Garoppolo Trade
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick have already spoken out against ESPN’s article on the alleged power struggle going on within the organization
Tuesday was Brady’s turn to add in his two cents on the matter, calling it a
The Patriots quarterback shared some of his thoughts during his weekly appearance on WEEI-FM’s “Kirk & Callahan” show.
Brady disputed many of the facts in Seth Wickersham’s report, including that he celebrated after backup Jimmy Garoppolo was traded to San Francisco, calling it a “poor characterization.”
“I think that is such a poor characterization,” Brady said. “In 18 years I have never celebrated when someone has been traded, been cut. I would say that is disappointing to hear that someone would express that, or a writer would express that, because it is so far from what my beliefs are about my teammates and I think I am very empathetic about other people’s experiences. I know those situations aren’t easy.”
Brady’s overall message was that the story was filled with inaccuracies. He disputed several of the potential rifts brought up in the story and dispelled rumors about his relationship with Belichick, insisting that it is as strong as ever.
“I have spoken about this so many times,” Brady said on the radio show. “Coach Belichick has been such a great coach and mentor and I certainly could never accomplish anything in this sport without everything that he has taught me.”
One of the biggest bombshells dropped by Wickersham in the article was that people in the Patriots organization believe this could be Belichick’s last season in New England.
Belichick, however, told reporters Monday that he “absolutely” plans to be back in New England next season.
Belichick on whether he has any interest in the Giants job: "Right now my interest is trying tod o the best I can for our football team to get ready for Saturday night against Tennessee."
Plan to be back with the Patriots next season?
"Absolutely."
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) January 8, 2018
Brady also posted a cryptic Instagram post just days after ESPN’s bombshell report. The post featured a photo of Brady appearing to hand the ball off to Mike Gillislee against the Falcons with the quote, “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.'”
During his radio appearance, Brady denied that he ever spoke poorly about the Patriots’ training staff as a way to encourage players to follow advice from his personal trainer, Alex Guerrero.
Brady also addressed the claims that his TB12 performance institute refused to treat Garoppolo during his time with the Patriots.
“I have never denied anybody anything in regards to TB12. I have always found it very flattering when teammates go there,” he said.
“Again, I think this speaks to someone whether it is the writer himself, or whoever he spoke to, what agenda they might have in painting some type of picture,” Brady said.
No matter how much of the ESPN story is accurate, it’s likely to serve as bulletin board material for the Patriots in their quest to win another Super Bowl.
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