One of the episodes in the recently released HBO series “The Dynasty,” which followed the history of the New England Patriots dynasty, centers on Tom Brady’s involvement in the “Deflategate” controversy. When Brady was charged with using underinflated footballs to cheat, he was ashamed. Another potential Brady issue was revealed by a former colleague of Brady’s with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tom Brady accused of bribing players
According to a recording of former offensive guard Ali Marpet’s remarks from the Wam Bam podcast by Joe Buccs Fan. Brady allegedly paid players Marpet for reaching specific on-field targets. Joe Bucs Fan referred to Brady’s behavior as a “bribe” when he gave teammates money in exchange for big plays:
“Hey guys, if you guys can get a screen to go for more than 15 yards, I will give you $1,000 cash each,” Brady stated, pulling aside our starting offensive line, according to Marpet.
Brady reportedly said to the starting linemen, “That is for you guys; so every time that we get that, I will be happy to make that payment,” according to Marpet.
Are you joking with me? Tom used actions such as giving himself a little extra juice to inspire motivation.
Marpet claimed that Brady was aware of the “wired” nature of athletes and made an effort to curry favor with his teammates. Nevertheless, the NFL forbids players, coaches, and others from sweetening the pot in this way.
It is against league policy for Brady to compensate players for successful screen passes, according to Mike Florio of NBC Sports. Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, received his ban in this way:
Offering players off-book incentives turned into the main controversy surrounding the Saints bounty in 2012. Even when they don’t have the intention of rendering opponents helpless, initiatives such as this technically violate NFL regulations.
Brady probably won’t be punished like Sean Payton was
To put it another way, Brady was a cheater. Florio believes Brady and the Buccaneers won’t face consequences from the NFL.
The NFL is unlikely to take any action in this regard. It’s also improbable that NFL locker rooms don’t frequently use wink-nod incentives of a similar nature.
But ought they to? This episode might have an impact on Brady’s legacy and demonstrate a history of dishonest behavior on his part. Brady and the Bucs were the winners of a Super Bowl.
Did he provide illegal incentives for doing so? Do fans care the same way they would if Bill Belichick and the Patriots were involved?
Brady has made it clear that he hopes to play again this year. The league wouldn’t provide Brady with the same break that it did during the 2012 campaign.
