New York Daily News

IT’S SO UNPATRIOTI­C!

Report: Jimmy G deal led to Bill, Tom & Kraft rift

- BY ARI GILBERG

AP & GETTY Talk about a Bomb Cyclone. ESPN is preparing to publish a bombshell report Friday exploring the power struggle brewing in Foxborough among Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, according to Boston Sports Media Watch.

Revealed in the story is the claim that Brady went to Kraft behind Belichick’s back demanding the team trade backup quarterbac­k Jimmy Garoppolo.

According to Boston Sports Media Watch, the story will highlight how the rift between Brady, Kraft and Belichick has become so severe that some Patriots personnel believe this may be the final year together for the trio in New England.

ESPN’s Sarah Spain later confirmed the validity of Boston Sports Media Watch’s report.

Brady has frequently voiced his desire to play until he’s 45 and finish his career as a Patriot. The fact that Brady doesn’t appear ready to retire any time soon led to the Patriots having to make a decision on Garoppolo’s future with the team. The Patriots ultimately traded the backup quarterbac­k to the 49ers for only a second-round pick, leading many to question Belichick’s decision-making.

Belichick has historical­ly had no trouble moving on from older veterans, having previously traded Drew Bledsoe and Richard Seymour and releasing the likes of Ty Law and Vince Wilfork. Belichick has also long been fond of Garoppolo, leading some to speculate he may have preferred to deal Brady and stick with Garoppolo for the long term.

This report now sheds light onto the fact that may very well have been the case.

If the trio behind the Patriots dynasty does break up, Belichick would most likely be the odd man out as Kraft won’t sell the team any time soon and it seems unlikely Brady is going anywhere.

 ??  ?? According to report, Tom Brady never stood behind Jimmy Garoppolo, angering Bill Belichick.
According to report, Tom Brady never stood behind Jimmy Garoppolo, angering Bill Belichick.
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