Brady’s not with Trump
QB supports protesting Pats
President Donald Trump made incendiary remarks Friday at a rally in Alabama, calling for NFL owners to fire players or, in his words, “any son of a bitch” who kneels in protest or “disrespects our flag” during the national anthem.
Tom Brady rebuked the comments from Trump — whom the Patriots quarterback calls a friend — yesterday during his weekly radio appearance on WEEI’s “Kirk & Callahan Show,” one day after he declined to delve into the issue after a win in Foxboro.
“I certainly disagree with what he said and thought it was just divisive,” Brady said. “Like I said, I just want to support my teammates. I always set out ...I’m never one that says, ‘Oh, that’s wrong or that’s right or that’s ...’ but I do believe in what I believe in, and I believe in bringing people together and respect and love and trust. Those are the values that my parents instilled in me and it’s how I try to live every day.”
Sixteen of Brady’s teammates knelt during the anthem before Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans and some attending the game at Gillette Stadium booed the protest. Brady said he heard the booing, but did not condemn the fans.
“No, I mean, I think everyone’s got a right to do whatever they want to do,” Brady said. “It really is. If you don’t agree, that’s fine. You can voice your disagreement. That’s absolutely, I think that’s great. That’s part of our democracy. As long as it’s done in a peaceful, respectful way, that’s what our country is all about.”
Brady was also asked if teammates ever approach him to question why he and Trump are friends. “No,” Brady said simply. Brady talked about what he feels is one of the best qualities of the Patriots locker room — its inclusiveness.
“I’ve been blessed to be in a locker room with guys from all over the United States over the course of my career,” Brady said. “Some of my great friends are from Florida, Virginia, New York, Montana, Colorado, Texas. I mean, I think one thing about football is it brings so many guys together, guys that you would never have an opportunity to be around, whether it was in college and all the way into the pros. We’re all different and we’re all unique and that’s what makes it all so special.”
Before Sunday’s game, Brady “liked” online an Instagram post by Aaron Rodgers showing an image of the Green Bay Packers quarterback kneeling with teammates that was captioned “#unity #brotherhood #dedication #love.” On WEEI, Brady clarified why he supported Rodgers’ post.
“Yeah, I have a lot of respect for the players around the league and for obviously my teammates,” Brady said. “I just love my teammates. It takes a lot to play in the NFL. The guys that have played in the past really paved the way for us. What I thought in that post is that’s what makes this game great — players, coaches that come together for one goal, to do the best we can do every week. It’s certainly not an easy game. It’s intense. You sacrifice a lot. We’re all making a choice to do that. We love doing that and I love being out there with my teammates playing. It’s a great blessing in my life.”
Asked whether or not the league’s overwhelming response to Trump in statements from both owners and players participating in protests can help bring about solidarity, Brady was hopeful.
“I’m not sure. I think it remains to be seen,” Brady said. “Hopefully it brings everyone together. I think that’s what unity and love and, like I said after the game, those are the things that concern me. When you’re in a locker room full of 53 players, you’re working toward a common goal. You support the guys that you play with and you support your coaches. Your coaches support you, and you just do the best you can do. You’re navigating your way through life. These things aren’t easy. Everyone deals with different challenges in their life.
“You respect everyone’s opinions and views. You don’t have to agree with everything certainly. It’s hard to agree with your own wife on everything from day to day.”