The New England Patriots appear to be in great position to pursue yet another Super Bowl win but, on Friday morning, ESPN posted an explosive narrative concerning potential in-fighting between Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and owner Bob Kraft. In response to such allegations (including one centering on the move to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco), the three men in question released a joint statement through the organization itself.
For the past 18 years, the three of us have enjoyed a very good and productive working relationship. In recent days, there have been multiple media reports that are unsubstantiated, highly exaggerated or flat out inaccurate. The three of us share a common goal. We look forward to the enormous challenge of competing in the postseason and the opportunity to work together in the future, just as we have for the past 18 years. It is unfortunate that there is even a need for us to respond to these fallacies. As our actions have shown, we stand united.
It is not a surprise in the least that the Patriots would act swiftly in an attempt to ease any tension from the report and that is the case here. While the report is believable from the outside, it remains to be seen just how much will prove to be accurate in the coming days.
If nothing else, New England will now have the ability to use the "us against the world" narrative that Belichick has pioneered for the entirety of his stint.
