Tom Brady stepped in front of the podium to face the media for arguably the most anticipated press conference of his distinguished career on Thursday afternoon. The Patriots quarterback was originally scheduled to speak on Friday morning, but the team moved up his press conference so that he could address the ongoing Deflate-Gate scandal. Brady denied any role in the alleged deflation of footballs during the AFC Championship game.

“I didn’t alter the balls in any way,” Brady told the enormous crowd of reporters that was shown on live television and video. “I always play within the rules. I would never break the rules.”

Of the Patriots footballs that were originally weighed and approved by officials prior to kickoff in the 45-7 win that New England secured to advance to the Super Bowl, 11 of 12 were found to be under the NFL rules-stipulated weight, per an ESPN report.

“I’m very comfortable saying that,” Brady said, in reference to his repeated denial of any role in the situation.

Brady said that he didn’t like how the scandal had distracted from the Super Bowl itself, where the Patriots will face the Seahawks on February 1st. The NFL is still investigating the situation, having conducted interviews with players and coaches, as well as Patriots’ staff regarding the matter.

A ruling is expected before the kickoff of the Super Bowl, and penalties are expected if the allegations are, in fact, true.

Brady did try to add some perspective, adding that “This isn’t ISIS.” The NFL’s most bizarre Super Bowl run-up scandal continues.

Via Keith Allison CC by SA 2.0