Was Tom Brady wrong in not visiting the White House with the rest of the Patriot

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   lions44posted 9 years ago

   Was Tom Brady wrong in not visiting the White House with the rest of the Patriots this week?
   
   Tom Brady skipped the Patriots' White House trip this year.  Every year the Super Bowl champs are invited to meet the President.  He claimed his family time is too valuable. Was he being disrespectful? Racist?  I always defend Brady from the "haters," but this time they may be right. No matter the motivation (political, family etc.), he is going to be vilified for it. I just believe that anytime you can go to the White House it's important because in this era of political division, some levity is needed.
   
   

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   feenixposted 9 years ago

   Because Tom Brady is a citizen of the USA, he has the right to conduct his life and his affairs in any way he sees fit, as long as he does not break any laws.
   
   And because this country is not a monarchy, and Obama is not the King of the USA, no one is REQUIRED to appear before him.

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Strong take, feenix.  Looking at the way the press is treating Brady, it sounds like they do think the President is a king.  Sad.

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   junksellerposted 9 years ago

   That's one of the big problems we face in this country. People think that disagreeing with someone allows them to be disrespectful. It doesn't. Brady is a public figure and allegedly a team leader. Either show up or be an adult and provide a legitimate reason for being absent.
   
   I've always kind of liked Brady. I'm surprised he would show such little class.

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I guess my own views are closest to yours. I'm also thinking about good PR vs. bad PR.  So much of being a leader is just showing up.

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   word55posted 9 years ago

   I think  Mr. Brady has his prerogative to do what he sees fit to do. He had enough representatives there to greet the president and 1st lady . Maybe he felt that he would take too much attention away from his teammates in that situation besides, it was said that his family was more important to be with and that should be understandable.

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That was one of the most reasonable takes I've heard on this issue.  I guess you have to take someone at their word until there is evidence to the contrary.  Thx.

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   Chris Austinposted 9 years ago

   I totally disagree with him being vilified for it.  Will there be some negative press right now?  Yes.  But we are talking about Tom Brady.  One of the few faces of the entire sports world let alone the NFL.  When he does something, people pay attention but more people side with him and his decisions.  Most normal people, I feel and so do the other comment writers below, will think nothing of it and go about their business by draft day.
   
   As for showing up to the White House, I agree with the fact you should go when you have the chance....but it does seem like "old hat" for him, right?

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   connorjposted 9 years ago

   
   
   As a citizen of the United States Tom has the right or choice to not accept the invitation to the White House. He must indeed accept the controversy that it may ignite and if he so desires he can provide an explanation to justify his actions. I believe it is a significant privilege to be invited to the White House; however, not a requirement simply by winning the Super Bowl...
   However, if there is a reason beyond what he stated for not accepting the invitation, it may indeed be otherwise to state it publically... On the other hand why attend such a small house party when you live in something over twice the size as the little ole White House...

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      feenixposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      For me, it would have been an honor to have been invited to White House when George W. Bush was president. But being invited to the White House with Obama as its resident ....

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      connorjposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      For some reason I feel the urge to perhaps deceive you, and state that I may concur with your fish bait...

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Good point. Why not invite the President over to his new place?

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   lions44posted 9 years ago

   Saw this on Pro Football Talk and thought I would share. It sheds a litle light on Brady's thinking. 
       http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 … use-visit/

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   fpherj48posted 9 years ago

   I really HATE it when the public gets a thorn in their thumb about someone and then begins to pick, pick pick....on every little thing they do or move they make.
   If he didn't want to go to the White House this year.....he simply didn't want to go.  Whatever his reason(s) ....he has the right to decline.  I'm sure he's preferring peace and quiet and time with loved ones right about now.
   
   I'm glad that the 2016 campaign has begun......some of the attention and heat on Brady will lighten up!    He's a great athlete and a good man.
   No one is PERFECT!

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The hatred of Brady is clearly driven by jealously.  This is much ado about nothing.  He's the greatest of all time and people just need to acknowledge that; then move on.   Now, he should have just admitted to the attempted deflation and be done.

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      fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      CJ.....I agree with you totally and happy you stood up for Tom....However, I can't imagine "admitting" to something you are NOT guilty of!  The apology needs to come from those who wrongfully accused him!

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   DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years ago

   Maybe he was just pouting over his suspension....

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