As the AFC Championship Game dust settles, NFL legend Tom Brady finds himself in the spotlight relating to the infamous Deflategate controversy. To add to the twist, a 243-page “Ted Wells Report Deflategate” comes up. Per the information this report brings forward, Brady’s reputation is at stake, involving the former quarterback’s connection with networks related to the scandal.
However, to guard himself from the allegations, Brady takes refuge in talking about his Super Bowl responsibilities. This discussion once again brings out where the Deflategate proceedings stand at the moment.
Investigation revelation with Brady in focus
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The crux of the report implicated that Brady was “at least generally aware” of the deliberate tampering performed by two Patriot employees, Jim McNally and John Jastremski. While they were identified to have a direct association with the scandal, Brady’s association with one of the accused further added to the controversy.
It has been reported that the quarterback legend had been in touch with Jastremski over text messages when the scandal that allegedly reduced the pressure in game balls transpired. However, as brought up by Wells, “Brady does not recall what he discussed with Jastremski during these calls but stated that he was in “Super Bowl mode” and wanted Jastremski to focus on the Super Bowl as well.” Besides, the accused also rallied the point brought about by Brady, “Jastremski, too, said that these calls concerned Super Bowl football preparation issues, even though he generally discusses ball preparation issues with Brady in person.”
Rough timeline of the Deflategate scandal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Deflategate saga began on January 18, 2015, after the New England Patriots’ 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Eventually, they were accused of reportedly deflating footballs when Brady said, “I didn’t alter the ball in any way.” On January 23, 2015, the NFL asked attorney Ted Wells to investigate the matter. Following the report placed by Wells, the league suspended Brady for four games while the team was fined $1 million on May 11 of the same year.
However, Brady did not accept the verdict and sought the help of a federal judge, Richard Berman, who overturned his suspension. Finally, Tom Brady overturned his four-game suspension, winning the Deflategate lawsuit on September 3, 2015. Even though it has been nine years since the scandal, the latest Apple TV+ docuseries, The Dynasty, dedicates one episode to Deflategate.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the fallout continues reverberating in the NFL landscape, it questions Tom Brady’s integrity. Even though it is hard to comprehend whether the NFL GOAT had direct involvement with Deflategate, it left a stain on Brady’s illustrious career.