Gronk backs Affleck's Deflategate rant: 'I loved it'
Ben Affleck made headlines last month when he took aim at the NFL in an appearance on the debut episode of "Any Given Wednesday" with Bill Simmons.
Among other things, the incentive-laden rant on "Deflategate" included the Hollywood star describing the league's actions as a "ridiculous smear campaign" against Tom Brady.
While New England Patriots players certainly can't speak out in the same manner, that doesn't mean they don't share the same feelings.
Star tight end Rob Gronkowski, for one, agrees with everything Affleck had to say.
"That was excellent what Ben said," Gronkowski told Access Hollywood. "He couldn't have said it any better. He was passionate. I loved it. Couldn't agree with him any more ...
"To tell you the truth, that's how I really want to talk about (Deflategate), too," Gronkowski added. "We just can't go on air as an athlete and just say all that. I can't just go do that. Ben Affleck just said it how I wanted to say it. So he did a great job. I'm passionate about football, whatever, but us as athletes, NFL players, can't just go out there in the media and start dropping F-bombs everywhere. You get fined for everything, you get fined for press conferences, for criticizing people, so you can't really do it. You have to keep it professional."
Brady and his representation are currently awaiting a ruling from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after filing a request for an en banc hearing.
The four-game suspension, which had initially been overturned by a federal judge in September, was reinstated in April following a successful appeal from the NFL.
In case you missed it, you can check out Affleck's entire rant on the never-ending saga below.
- With h/t to CBS Sports