Now that’s a fan. Patricia Strong, a 72-year-old Auburn, Mass. native who passed away last week, dedicated a portion of her obituary to defending Tom Brady in the “Deflate-gate” controversy.
Brady has been suspended for four games at the start of next season by the NFL for his alleged role in a plot to intentionally take the air out of game balls prior to this year’s AFC Championship Game, a violation of league rules. Brady has denied all wrongdoing and appealed the league’s decision through the NFL Players Association.
According to her obit, Strong “enjoyed scrapbooking, cross stitching, pixel art, knitting, and crocheting.” But it also says “she would also like us to set the record straight for her: Brady is innocent!!”
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Despite the parting thoughts of Strong and many other Patriots fans like her, the overwhelming majority of football fans appear to support the NFL’s punishment of Brady. According to a recent ABC/ESPN poll, 73% of “avid” pro football fans believe the suspension of Brady was fair and a whopping 69% believe he cheated. Deflated balls are believed to be easier to grip and catch.
Although he publicly pledged his full support to Brady, Patriots owner Robert Kraft has said he won’t challenge the league’s ruling in the case. Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has rejected calls that he recuse himself from playing the deciding role in whether or not to grant Brady’s appeal.
If there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the the 4-time Super Bowl champion it’s that according to that same ABC/ESPN poll, the majority of hardcore football fans still think he’s a good role model for kids, and nearly two thirds believe he is assured a place in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Adam Howard