Patriots change Facebook, Twitter pictures in support of Tom Brady
The New England Patriots made a not-so-subtle statement about the Deflategate suspension of Tom Brady on Tuesday, changing their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to the back of their quarterback's jersey.
With Brady suspended four games for his involvement in the deflated footballs scandal that marred the celebration of the Patriots' AFC championship game and Super Bowl XLIX victories, New England fans have lamented the punishment, which stems from a report from attorney Ted Wells that concluded that "it is more probable than not that New England Patriots personnel participated in violations of the Playing Rules and were involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent the rules."
Brady was deemed "at least generally aware of" the release of air from the Patriots' game balls, and so we here we are, with the four-time Super Bowl champion suspended for the first four games of 2015.
• Pats sources: Strong statements by NFL officials left out of Wells report
Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement following the announcement of the suspension, criticizing the investigation as "one-sided" and saying the team unconditionally supports Brady.
Indeed, like a newly formed high school romance, the change of social media avatars confirms that adoration.
We'll see how long this lasts, because you know that if/when the Patriots' social media team changes up the profile pictures again, that'll be a whole new story.
- Mike Fiammetta
