May 6, 2015, Queens, NY It’s Tom Brady, not Eminem, who is the “Real Slim Shady.” We just wish that Brady would “Please Stand Up, Please Stand Up.” Tonight, Shady Brady will speak at Salem State College. “Salem” as in Salem, Massachusetts. The place where suspected witches would stand trial and be burned if they were found guilty. These trials became infamously known as the “Salem Witch Trials.” Shady Brady will face no such scrutiny. No fierce interrogation with deadly consequences, namely execution. Salem State College is in Massachusetts, the home of the New England Patriots who just won their fourth Super Bowl a few months ago, all under the Bill Belichick-Shady Brady regime.
This latest transgression by the New England Patriots serves to raise questions about their dominance as a franchise in this century. Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in the history of team sports in this country. Tom Brady is one of the most prolific quarterbacks to ever play for the “Shield.” But therein lies the problem. Shady Brady’s deflation has ramifications that go beyond “competitive advantage.” Sir Shady is striking a defiant blow at the integrity of the game. When you don’t have to cheat to win and you do, that speaks volumes. Volumes about your Values. Yesterday, Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe was asked by ESPN Radio’s Michael Kay if he (Sharpe) would attend Sir Shady’s induction into the NFL’s Hall of Fame. Sharpe hesitated briefly before stating that he probably would not attend.
Shady Brady could have “fessed up” the day after the allegations. He could have said that he requested the balls be deflated but claimed ignorance about the deflation limits. It (meaning “Deflate Gate”) goes away. But Sir Shady lied. He claimed to have no contact with persons of interest (like the equipment manager) when common sense dictated that phone records can be checked. This when “Shade-itity” becomes “Stupidity.” Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, once again was put into an extremely awkward position. Does he defend his franchise quarterback or jump ship? Unfortunately for Kraft, he chose to do the former and now his integrity has been impugned. Of course he (Kraft) knew. He’s the kind of owner who is hands on and in touch with the goings on of his team. Kraft is more than a signatory. He is one of the most respected franchise owners in all of sports–deservedly so. But you have a convicted murderer in Aaron Hernandez who was signed to a multi-million dollar contract by him, and then Kraft displayed uncharacteristically indignant and self-righteous behavior in his defense of “The Shady One.” Two errors in judgement. Should he have known about Hernandez? Check the tattoos. They say, “Gang Affiliation.” Should he have known about Sir Shady? Check the phone. Brady’s phone.
Shady Brady is leaving bodies all over the place. Maybe more than Hernandez, metaphorically speaking. Bill Belichick is thought to have knowledge of the deflation situation. Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington was emphatic that Belichick would have had to know about this either before the fact or after. Pennington, who was being interviewed by ESPN’s Colin Cowherd, stated that Belichick is in tune with all things Patriots (I am paraphrasing). Belichick just shook off “Spy Gate” and now comes this. This may take him out of the Bill Walsh, Chuck Knoll, Vince Lombardi conversation. Just like Alex Rodriguez is no longer in the Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron conversation.
Ted Wells who investigated the Miami Dolphins for the NFL during the Richie Incognito scandal is another casualty. Wells has become the go-to investigative arm of the NFL. Huge check. And he wants repeat business. The word, “probably” that is used in the findings is disturbing. It creates skepticism regarding Sir Shady’s actions. And you can bet that Ted Wells and his investigative team know for sure about what went down. However, the NFL doesn’t want to severely punish the undisputed best quarterback of this era. Brady is still box office, but he is nearing his expiration date. Do you really want to expel Sir Shady for a year, when he is fast approaching 40? The NFL is in an awkward position which takes us to the next victim.
Roger “Not so Good” Goodell, the NFL Commish. He can’t win. If he slams Shady Brady, he risks “The Wrath of Kraft.” The Commish’s de-facto bosses are the team owners. Robert Kraft is arguably the most influential and powerful owner. A mere four-game suspension profoundly jeopardizes the Patriots’ chances of winning back-to-back Super Bowls. An eight-game suspension all but guarantees that they won’t repeat. A year-long suspension means they won’t even make the playoffs. Belichick would also have to fine the Patriots and take away a draft pick or two or three. Ouch. You don’t think Goodell is peeved? Now, suppose he goes light on Shady Brady and the Patriots, then he (Goodell) will get the Ray Rice Wrath again. Goodell is up the creek with a gaping hole in the boat. All thanks to Shady Brady.
All Brady had to do was stand up. Will the Real Shady Brady ever stand up? He missed the White House reception claiming he had a previous engagement, “Standing up” the President. How can you believe him (Brady)? Will the Real Shady Brady ever stand up? It’s possible, but highly improbable.
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached at cliffb@puresportsny.com.