New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, head coach Bill Belichick, and team owner Robert Kraft released a joint statement Friday denying recent reports that conflicts and tension have disrupted the heralded trio's working relationship - reports that include an in-depth piece from ESPN's Seth Wickersham.
Joint statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady: pic.twitter.com/i555gWZIi6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2018
The statement calls unspecified elements of those reports "unsubstantiated, highly exaggerated, or flat-out inaccurate," and the three maintain that their focus remains on the postseason and "the opportunity to work together in the future."
Related - Report: Belichick was 'furious' after Kraft told him to trade Garoppolo
The ESPN article reports several conflicts between the three individuals, including a long meeting between Kraft and Belichick over the future of former Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Wickersham reports that meeting ended with Kraft insisting Belichick had to part ways with the young quarterback, and New England eventually traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round draft pick.
The article also outlined the strain caused by the close relationship between Brady and personal trainer Alex Guerrero, who is apparently at odds with Belichick and has caused serious friction within the Patriots organization. Guerrero also reportedly refused to treat Garoppolo when the quarterback hurt his shoulder in 2016.
