Wells Report Begs A Big Question: Did Tom Brady Lie To Bill Belichick?

If the Wells Report’s conclusion is that it’s “more probable than not” Tom Brady was aware of anyone on the New England Patriots’ equipment staff deflating footballs, then it’s more probable than not that he lied to coach Bill Belichick about it.

Investigator Ted Wells released his DeflateGate findings Wednesday, and the 243-page report implicates Brady, equipment assistant John Jastremski and locker room attendant Jim McNally as the main suspects. According to the report, Belichick and Patriots equipment manager Dave Schoenfeld both spoke to their employees “most involved with ball preparation” after media buzz surrounding DeflateGate took off, and Brady and Jastremski denied any involvement.

Belichick asked Brady on Jan. 22 if he had any knowledge of the media’s claims, the report said, and the quarterback said “absolutely not.” Belichick then asked Brady if he or anyone he knew tampered with the footballs used in the AFC Championship Game.

“Belichick recalled that Brady also explained that once he inspects and approves game balls, those balls are exactly as he likes them and that he would not want anyone to do anything to them after that point,” the report said. “Belichick believed Brady.”

If the NFL does end up punishing Brady for the Wells Report’s findings, Belichick might end up with a few more questions for his quarterback.