Golden Boy Under Fire

(cnn.com)

Before we begin I would like to clarify one thing:

I in no way believe that the under-inflated balls contributed to the outcome of the AFC Championship game.

The Colts were flat-out crushed, mostly due to their inability to stop the run and their own lack of running game.

That said, we need to take the Deflate-gate scandal for what it is:

Cheating.

@JLAnderson1999

The dictionary tells us the following:

To Cheat:

"To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage."

Deflated footballs are easier to grip, and easier to catch in cold weather.

That is an advantage.

Was that advantage required to win the game?

@NOTZOMBIES

Absolutely not.

The fact remains that the New England Patriots* used under-inflated balls as a means to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent.

That is cheating.

The media response has been dramatic and widespread. Articles appeared on every major news site as early as Tuesday (with the exception of NFL.com, which has attempted to squash the story from the start).

As Tony Kornheiser pointed out, this was the second-leading story across the country. The first: the President's State of the Union address.

Brady's story featured above Obama, Netanyahu, Boehner and Putin

"This isn't ISIS," accused QB Tom Brady* responded to the media on Thursday. "This isn't... you know, no one's dying."

Correct and incorrect, Mr. Brady*.

This story has nothing to do with ISIS-- an observation I found shocking for its ability to convey both cultural literacy and absolute ignorance.

But there has been one death, Tom*: the death of your public image.

The death of the "Golden Boy*."

The reaction to Tom Brady's* press conference, in which he spoke for over 30 minutes trying to profess his innocence, was universal.

His voice cracked and his persona was so much different than the post-game Tom Brady* we have all grown accustomed to hearing.

He contradicted himself multiple times.

He stumbled over his words and his responses rarely answered the original question, even when the questions were simple.

He did not convey any confidence whatsoever that he was innocent, and therefore inspired none among the millions watching.

Not even the crew of NFL Live believed him.

Former QB Mark Brunell observed, "I did not believe what Tom Brady* had to say. Those balls were deflated. Somebody had to do it. I don't believe there is an equipment manager in the NFL that would-- on his own initiative--  deflate a ball without the starting quarterback's approval."

He also pointed to his experience as a starting quarterback. "That football is out livelihood," he said, insisting that Tom Brady* would have noticed the difference and likely would have requested it.

"I can't believe that," said Jerome Bettis. "I had to take a sip of water. I could not believe what I heard."

"It's clear that the equipment managers are doing what you want them to do."

"It's unbelievable," Brian Dawkins agreed.

Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman pitched in as well:

"It's obvious that Tom Brady* had something to do with this."


Even Tom Brady* seemed unconvinced:

Reporter: This has raised a lot of uncomfortable conversations for people around this country who view you as their idol. The question they're asking themselves is, 'What's up with our hero?' Can you answer right now, is Tom Brady* a cheater?

Tom Brady*: I don't believe so.

Are you kidding me??

During his NFL career Tom Brady* has demonstrated a fantastic ability to run an NFL offense. He is great at throwing a football, he is great at reading a defense, and he is great at staying cool under pressure.

Unless that pressure is from the media.

Unless his integrity and legacy is under assault. Unless no one in your industry or outside your industry believes the words coming out of your mouth.

Unless he does not believe those words either.

Yes, in his fifteen seasons as a professional football player, Tom Brady* has proven that he is great at many aspects of the game.


But Tom Brady* is a terrible liar.