The New England Patriots are at the center of controversy with the release of an ESPN story that allegedly detailed the power struggle between team owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady. Recently, the three issued a joint statement, disputing the ESPN story and stressing they “stand united” amid the controversies thrown at them. In separate interviews, the three also denied contents of the story written by Seth Wickersham. Kraft disputed claims that he asked Belichick to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo while the head coach denied that he will leave the team and move to the New York Giants.

Brady, for his part, said his relationship with Belichick is strong as it was 18 years ago.

Brady: I am the storm

As they prepare for their divisional round showdown against the Tennessee Titans Saturday (Jan. 13), Brady shared a cryptic post on Instagram, including a photo of the Patriots playing the Atlanta Falcons together with an interesting quote that goes “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’” It will be remembered that the Patriots came back from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, giving Brady and Belichick their fifth Super Bowl trophy.

The Instagram post may be referring to the latest controversy surrounding the Patriots, as claimed by ESPN’s story where Brady was put in a negative light.

ESPN The Magazine claimed some players and staffers noticed that Brady seemed especially “excited, hollering and cajoling” after Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2018 second-round pick. “I think that is such a poor characterization. In 18 years I have never celebrated when someone has been traded, been cut,” Brady said during an interview with Kirk & Callahan.

Brady also clarified that he has a great relationship with his teammates, especially Garoppolo.

Brady denies other parts of ESPN story

Brady also denied being upset about not winning the Patriot Player of the Week award, clarifying that he has won it several times in his 18-year stay with the team. Also, Brady denied having any hand in Garoppolo’s failure to get treatment on his shoulder last year from the TB12 Sports Therapy Center.

“I have never denied anybody anything in regards to TB12. I have always found it very flattering when teammates go there,” said Brady. The veteran quarterback also reiterated that he has a good relationship with Belichick, saying he would never accomplish anything in football “without everything that he has taught me.”
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