Brett Favre: I don't think Tom Brady was cheating
Speaking with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren on Tuesday, 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback Brett Favre said he does not think Tom Brady cheated, nor does he think the New England Patriots' quarterback's legacy will be affected by the Deflategate controversy.
Brady was suspended four games on Monday for his role in the Patriots' deflated-football scandal after the NFL determined it was probable that he "was at least generally aware of... the release of air from Patriots game balls."
Favre, who last played in 2010 with the Minnesota Vikings, said he considered Brady one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, up there with Joe Montana, his pick for the best quarterback of his generation. Favre also said he was surprised by how Deflategate developed into a full-blown scandal.
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"It was somewhat laughable at first that we were even talking about that, especially considering the magnitude of the [Super Bowl] that was upcoming," Favre said. "But I understand the league's view of this in the deceit involved and just the insinuation of cheating."
Favre went on to say that quarterbacks can tell immediately if a football is over or under-inflated just like a golfer can determine how his equipment is tuned or a pitcher can get a feel for a baseball.
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"I don't think by any stretch that in my opinion that Tom was cheating. It sounds crazy, but historically, there's been stealing of signs and that goes to baseball and in football. Just whatever advantage you can get—Lester Hayes putting the Stickum on his arms for the Raiders, and pine tar—it's just endless, the advantages that players would try to get. I don't know if Tom would honestly say he's completed more passes because of it. I think more than anything, it helped with the grip based on condition."
- Mike Fiammetta
