Ron Borges Publishes, Deletes Story About Tom Brady Sitting Out OTAs For New Contract
If you needed a fresh reminder that it’s more important to be right than to be first on a story, look no further than the “report” on Tom Brady that the Boston Herald’s Ron Borges published for about nine hours on Thursday night and Friday morning.
Borges reported that “sources” (implying that multiple people told him this) close to Tom Brady said the quarterback is prepared to sit out organized team activities this offseason if he doesn’t get a new contract that’s similar, if not better, than the one just handed to Jimmy Garoppolo in San Francisco. He also reported that Brady played a major role in Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick’s full-court press to convince Josh McDaniels to spurn the Colts and stay in New England.
Here’s what you get if you try to access the story now:
(Screenshot via BostonHerald.com)
Ron Borges: Not A Real Reporter
It didn’t take very long for the story to be debunked. By actual reporters. NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran tweeted that a solid source told him the report is “off the reservation.” NESN’s Doug Kyed heard the same thing from a source close to Brady, who told him to “trust your instincts.”
And, of course, the instinct here is that someone as dedicated and maniacal about his craft as Brady would never even consider sitting out OTAs. He’s even had contract issues with the Patriots in the past and still didn’t out in any way. That’s because he cares too much about football and being a good teammate to do something so inherently selfish.
Still … if anyone’s earned the right to be selfish, it’s Brady. He just threw for 505 yards and three touchdowns in the Super Bowl. If not for his MVP-caliber performance, the Patriots get blown out. But the most likely scenario this offseason, funnily enough, is that Brady not only attends 100 percent of all Patriots offseason workouts but gets a new contract anyway.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after fumbling against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Last Straw?
Ultimately, the real story here is Ron Borges. He got some fake news and ran with it, all based on one of the most dubious premises ever to come out of Foxborough. This isn’t the first journalistic misstep for Borges. And this time the story wasn’t plagiarized, it was just straight-up irresponsible.
For whatever reason, Borges has always had an axe to grind against Bill Belichick. Hopefully he feels good that he got to scratch that itch for a night. It could be the last time he gets to do so in this town.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
