Brady says nothing to inflate controversy

SALEM ? There was an elephant in the room Thursday evening at Salem State University’s Rockett Arena. But the elephant was addressed very early by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was making his first public appearance since the release Wednesday of the NFL’s report that tied him to the underinflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game in January.Brady, introduced to the overwhelmingly supportive crowd by university president Patricia Maguire Meservey, appeared as part of the school’s speaker series. The sold-out crowd of more than 4,000 was the largest in the series’ 33 years, Meservey said ? including appearances by former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Nobel Peace Prize winners and heads of state.Looking tanned, fit and relaxed, Brady sat in an armchair on stage next to moderator Jim Gray, who wasted no time in diving into the Deflategate controversy. Gray mentioned that the intent was to keep the event as it was planned prior to the release of the Ted Wells report, but allowed Brady to address the results.?It’s only been 30 hours so I haven’t had too much time to digest it fully,” Brady said, “but when I do I’ll be sure to let you know how I feel about it.”When will that be??Hopefully soon, hopefully soon,” Brady said. “There’s still a process that’s going forth right now. Whenever it happens, it happens.”Brady mentioned that in the midst of a difficult time in his life, he looks to the people closest to him for support.?I’m very fortunate to have so many people that love me and support me,” Brady said. “Dealing with adversities in life, you just try and do the best you can do.”Gray, who held his reputation for asking tough questions, asked Brady if the quarterback thought this year’s Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks was tainted because of the controversy.?Absolutely not,” Brady responded in short.?We earned and achieved everything we got this year as a team. I’m very proud of that.”Brady recalled Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception with 20 seconds remaining in the game, crediting the young cornerback with saving the team’s season.?It was an incredible play by a great young man who has a bright future,” Brady said. “I’m sure he won’t be buying any drinks in Boston for the rest of his life. He certainly got a nice car out of it.”In recalling the recent Super Bowl win, Brady mentioned that the two previous losses to the New York Giants went a long way in teaching him how to appreciate a victory in the big game.?When you’re 24 and you win the first time, you don’t know what you don’t know,” Brady said.?It’s hard to compare one year to the next but that feeling on the night of Feb. 2 was incredible.”Speaking of Brady’s 10-year gap between Super Bowl victories, Gray asked the four-time champion if he ever had any doubt about his chances of adding another ring to his collection.?I never doubted that we could get back,” Brady said. “I never doubted that we could win. Right now, I’m as confident as I’ve ever been.”The two-time NFL MVP mentioned that his confidence stems from what he calls “the power of intention.”?If you don’t believe it, then it won’t happen,” Brady said.He also touched on the possibility of retiring as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, an honor he does not believe he has earned.?I don’t believe it when people say that because I don’t want it to take away from my motivation,” he said.After a 45-minute conversation, Gray opened the floor for a handful of previously submitted questions from members of the audience. They ranged in topics from nutrition to fatherhood.Brady was also asked about his advice for college graduates who might be unsure of their future career paths.?Whatever you choose, shoot for the stars,” Brady said. “You never know what can happen in life. I think I’m a testament to that.”Harold Rivera may be reached at [email protected].