But apparently it might be a real thing.
I saw excerpts of Coach Bill Belichick’s press conference,
as he basically “deferred to" (i.e. threw under the bus) his prize quarterback, Tom Brady. As
I understand it, Belichick would know nothing about breaking any rules. (Unless,
of course, you count presiding over the 2007 illegal sideline videotaping of your opponent’s defensive signals, for which you got fined $500,000. But I digress.)
So then Tom “Possibly the Greatest Quarterback of All Time”
Brady faced the press, and reminded me a little of Richard Nixon famously
protesting, “I am not a crook.” (I freely admit that Brady is ‘way handsomer.)
I have no idea if Mr. Brady cheated or not. But for people
like me who love football, the whole episode makes you want to take a shower. Or
stop watching football.
Come on, Sports Millionaires. You've got fame, fortune, and
the adulation of millions of people. Maybe you could use your influence and
money for something other than trying to increase your influence and money.
While I was fighting a gag reflex over “inflategate,” I
remembered seeing the story of another quarterback. Tim Tebow just opened a pediatric hospital in the Philippines. He’s out of football (not good enough,
right?) but he seems to be using his fame and fortune in a different way,
toward a different end.
I think I know which of these two quarterbacks will be
elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. And I also believe I know which of
them is more likely to hear, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have
been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of
your master.”
