FOXBOROUGH — Robert Kraft had just thrown down the gauntlet, calling out the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell in a powerful rebuke.
So how did Bill Belichick follow up?
“It’s good to see everyone back here.”
Those were the New England Patriots head coach’s opening remarks at a press conference Wednesday morning, immediately following Kraft’s extensive statement on Deflategate.
Unsurprisingly, Belichick was uninterested in discussing the matter any further.
“I think Robert took care of the other situation,” Belichick said. “Tom (Brady) has already had a statement. So, (there’s) nothing really to talk about there. We won’t be dealing with that at all; just trying to get the team ready and prepare for the regular season as we always do.”
Brady released a statement on his Facebook page earlier Wednesday saying he’s “very disappointed” in Goodell’s decision to uphold his four-game suspension. Some wondered if Belichick might make an effort to come to his quarterback’s defense, but his terse response to one reporter put a quick end to that.
“You heard what Robert just said,” Belichick said. “It’s already been addressed. Maybe you ought to go back and look at your notes.”
Belichick also was asked if he’s talked to Brady since the ruling came down.
“I talk to the team every day,” he said.
The prospect of Brady missing the first four games of the season obviously raises questions at quarterback. Belichick was asked multiple times about Jimmy Garoppolo and whether the second-year backup will see increased reps in training camp given the circumstances.
“We practice every player in training camp,” Belichick said. “That’s the way we’ve always done it, that’s the way we’ll do it this year. It’s no different than any other position.”
For those hoping to get a response from Belichick on Brady and Deflategate, the head coach made his message quite clear: He’s on to training camp.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
