BOSTON — Matt Light spent 11 years protecting quarterback Tom Brady. The former New England Patriots offensive lineman isn’t stopping, even in retirement.
Light pulled no punches Monday at Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich’s “Ninko’s Ping Pong Challenge” charity event at Blazing Paddles next to Fenway Park in Boston. The three-time Super Bowl champion sounded off on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Deflategate, calling the ongoing scandal “a ridiculous circus” while expressing a desire to turn a negative situation into a positive.
“When it comes to the pressurization of a pigskin, I have a lot of deep thoughts, right? Like the kind with Jack Handey — remember the old ‘Deep Thoughts,’ remember those? I’ve got a lot of thoughts about that,” Light said sarcastically. “And I think that what we really need is an open forum. Like on every talk show in Boston, we should talk about it. But with me.
“So what I’m going to do is, I’m going to put a target on my chest and I’m going to say I’m going to go after everyone that wants to have a conversation about Deflategate. So find me, I’ll be available for the next two weeks, and we’re going to get it on.
“Does that sound good? Would that be entertaining? Can we bring some common sense to it?”
Light, in the midst of a WWE-style promo, directed everyone to InflationNationRaffle.org, where fans can purchase raffle tickets for the opportunity to fly to Indianapolis with the ex-lineman and his friends for the Patriots’ Oct. 18 game against the Colts. The raffle winner also will receive “one autographed Tom Brady football, inflated to your PSI standards,” according to the website. The raffle’s proceeds will go to Light’s charity, The Light Foundation.
“When it’s all said and done, if you feel the way I do about this ridiculous circus that Roger Goodell and the rest of his little buddies in the league office put together — if you think it’s absolutely insane — then side with me and get a chance to come and go to Indianapolis on a private jet, see the game, enjoy the weekend, and that’s a raffle,” Light said. “And we’re going to turn a circus into something positive, we’ll send a lot of kids to camp.
“And you know what? Roger, if you’re listening, we may raise enough money to actually have you come attend one of our leadership camps.”
Light was his usual entertaining self while answering questions, as he dished out a heavy dose of sarcasm and humor. But it’s clear he isn’t happy with the way the Deflategate situation has played out.
The three-time Pro Bowl pick called out 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti for their commentary on the issue. He also took a shot at FOX News’ Juan Williams for comments he made before Super Bowl XLIX.
Light really landed a haymaker when asked for his thoughts on those who think Brady is a “cheater.”
“Well, you can say whatever you want in this world until you get punched in the mouth,” Light said. “Things change at that point, right? Let’s face it.
“And that’s the world we live in. I mean, nobody’s held accountable. Look at our government. We can go on all day. But I’m ready to have this debate. I’ll be around for the next two weeks.”
There you have it. There clearly isn’t an expiration date on Light’s defense of Brady, but the next two weeks could turn into a real slugfest if local media outlets take up the former Patriot on his challenge.
Ring the bell.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BostonGlobe
