Latest news with #Deflategate


Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Why Indy 500's crowd mercilessly booed Tom Brady and what is the beef about
Tom Brady received a cold welcome at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday (May 25) when the audience collectively decided to boo the former NFL player. The shocking reaction came as a result of decades of sports rivalry coupled with unforgiveness from a dedicated fan base. Though the uniform chorus of disapproval rang loud and clear from the crowd in the stands, Brady seemed to take it in stride during the pre-race ceremony for the Indy 500, an annual automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The reaction likely came as a result of the noted rivalry between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts back from the days when Brady was a quarterback for the former and pitted against Peyton Manning, then quarterback of the Colts. This decades-long rivalry between two of the greatest quarterbacks in history was a multi-storied tale that includes fiascos like 'Deflategate' where the Patriots were accused of using deflated footballs in a playoff match against the Colts. Though Brady denied any wrongdoing on his part, an investigation into the incident suspended him from a few games. The Patriots were fined and docked draft picks. Brady's all-too-compulsive 16-4 win record against the Colts in playoffs and season was a bitter pill to swallow for the Indianapolis crowd when they saw their rival on home ground. People also took to social media to react to the video of Brady being 'booed' with many expressing support for the former football sensation and others backing the audience instead. Brady was at the event to ride alongside race car driver Jimmie Johnson. Having retired from the NFL in 2023, the 47-year-old currently works as a sports commentator at Fox.


Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Tom Brady Greeted With Massive Boos at Indy 500
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NFL legend Tom Brady was met with loud boos from the crowd at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday as he made an appearance at the 109th running of the Indianapolis Indy 500. Newsweek contacted Tom Brady for comment by email via his agent on Monday. Why It Matters Brady, 47, famously led the New England Patriots in numerous heated matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, particularly in the early 2000s when the two teams were bitter AFC rivals. The tension was only intensified by the infamous "Deflategate" scandal. According to ESPN, Deflategate alleged that the Patriots used an illegal process for lowering the inflation of game footballs at Brady's instruction, who preferred the grip of softer balls. The QB has always denied the allegations. Brady served a four-game suspension because the NFL believed he was "generally aware" of the scheme. Retired football player and Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Retired football player and Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady on February 9, 2025, in New To Know In a video posted by Indy 500 fan account @1075thefan on X, formerly Twitter, captioned "Hear the boos when Tom Brady was announced at the Indianapolis 500!" Brady was shown on a podium wearing a blue and black racing outfit and being greeted by loud booing mixed in with cheers and applause. The seven-time Super Bowl champion appeared onstage to greet attendees at a pre-race event on Sunday, People reported. As reported by Fox News, Brady was in a Fox Sports fire suit and had an IndyCar racing helmet. He took part in the event as a passenger in the "Fastest Seat in Sports," a pre-race tradition where a high-profile figure rides along in a two-seater IndyCar driven by a professional driver, in this case, former NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson. As the broadcast introduced him, sections of the crowd erupted into noticeable boos, likely stemming from his storied rivalry with the Colts during his tenure with the New England Patriots. Despite the mixed welcome, Brady smiled and waved to the fans, seemingly unfazed by the reaction. He later posted highlights from the experience on social media, captioning a video on X, "HERE WE GO!" with three racing flag emojis. The video posted to his 3 million followers has since had almost 400,000 views. Brady retired from professional football in 2023 and has since transitioned into multiple post-playing ventures, including a 10-year broadcasting deal with Fox Sports and a minority ownership stake in the NFL franchise the Las Vegas Raiders. He's also been active in various business and philanthropic efforts, though his public appearances, especially in sports contexts, clearly still generate passionate responses from fans. The Indianapolis 500 drew 350,000 spectators this year, according to Fox Sports. While not everyone in the stands booed, the reaction was loud enough to trend on social media and spark renewed debates among fans about Brady's legacy. What People Are Saying Jimmie Johnson, as reported by Fox News: "I love the Indy 500. There is an energy and excitement around the 500 that is unlike anything I have experienced before... Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I've had outside of the car. I'm thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I'm extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion." What Happens Next The 2025 Indy 500 race will be broadcast on Fox and available to be streamed live on the station's website and sports app.


Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Tom Brady Was Booed At The Indy 500
Hey there, sports fans. This weekend, the racing event known as the Indianapolis 500 went down in — where else? — Indianapolis. Tom Brady was there, and he was even introduced to the racetrack's massive crowd. Now, the idea itself of a crowd of Indianapolis sports fans booing Tom Brady is not all that surprising. Back in 2014, the New England Patriots' playoffs victory over the Indianapolis Colts became a national controversy due to the "Deflategate" scandal, which you can read up about in this handy-dandy list right here. Still, social media had something to say about it regardless: Man, it's brutal out here.


Black America Web
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Black America Web
The 25 Most Notorious Sports Villains Of All Time
Source: JEFF HAYNES / Getty Sports pull us in for all kinds of reasons—speed, skill, drama, and unforgettable moments. We love the underdogs, the clutch performers, the dynasties. Some fans come for the strategy, others for the chaos. Rivalries fuel the fire, and storylines build legends. But every hero needs a villain. A sports villain isn't always evil—they're just the ones we love to hate. Maybe they talk too much, cheat the system, or break our favorite team's hearts. They stir emotions, fuel debates, and make the games even bigger. And sometimes? Well, sometimes they're convicted of murder. Sometimes they're actually villains in real life. Whether they're showboating after a touchdown, throwing a cheap shot, or stealing a title, villains give fans someone to root against . And somehow, that makes rooting for your side even sweeter. Here are 25 of the most unforgettable sports villains, complete with the moments that made them legendary. Hate them or not, the game wouldn't be the same without them. The face of the 'Bad Boy' Pistons, Laimbeer was infamous for dirty fouls, cheap shots, and unapologetic trash talk. He built a career on physical intimidation and left bruises on legends like Michael Jordan. One of the most feared boxers ever, Tyson's legacy is as controversial as it is dominant. From his prison sentence to biting Holyfield's ear, he blurred the line between menace and madness. He's the most decorated quarterback in NFL history, but also the centerpiece of 'Spygate' and 'Deflategate.' His constant winning, calm demeanor, and association with controversy made him easy to root against. Known for kicking opponents, trash talk, and racking up technicals, Green is the ultimate agitator. His antics have gotten him suspended in the NBA Finals and despised across the league. Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa and more sluggers lit up the late '90s and early 2000s with jaw-dropping home runs and record-breaking seasons. But behind the fireworks was a cloud of suspicion. Bonds shattered records while growing in size and arrogance, McGwire got caught red-handed, and Sosa's legacy collapsed under scrutiny. Together, they defined baseball's steroids era—an unforgettable, controversial chapter fans still argue about. Once a rising NFL star, Aaron Hernandez became a true villain when he was convicted of murder while still playing for the Patriots. His shocking double life—touchdowns on Sunday, violence off the field—turned one of the league's brightest talents into its darkest cautionary tale. Miller lived to silence hostile crowds, especially in Madison Square Garden. His trash talk and clutch shooting made him a Knicks fan's worst nightmare. A fiery competitor with pinpoint control and a mean streak, Pedro wasn't afraid to throw high and inside. His 2003 brawl moment—tossing 72-year-old Don Zimmer to the ground—cemented his role as a Yankees-era villain. Dominant and intimidating, Clemens often blurred the line between fierce and dirty, famously throwing a broken bat toward Mike Piazza. His later ties to PEDs only deepened the perception that he played by his own rules. Despite his talent, Altuve became the poster child for the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Many fans believe he stole more than signs—he stole a championship. And yes, an aggravated Cleveland sports fan is penning this article. A defensive genius and relentless rebounder, Rodman thrived on chaos—on and off the court. From wild antics to hard fouls and psychological warfare, he embraced his role as the NBA's ultimate disruptor and villain. Once a global inspiration, Armstrong's legacy imploded after he admitted to systematic doping. He didn't just cheat—he bullied critics and lied for years. He was tennis' most volatile star, famous for screaming at umpires and throwing tantrums. McEnroe's talent was undeniable, but so was his temper. Nick Kyrgios brings talent and turbulence to every match, often clashing with umpires, fans, and even opponents. His meltdowns, smashed rackets, and unapologetic attitude have made him tennis' modern-day bad boy. Vick revolutionized the quarterback position with electric speed and a cannon arm, but his career was derailed by a gruesome dogfighting scandal. His fall from grace shocked fans and painted him as one of the NFL's most reviled figures—at least for a time. A first-round pick with big potential, Carruth became one of sports' darkest villains after orchestrating the murder of his pregnant girlfriend. His crime sent shockwaves through the NFL and remains one of the league's most horrifying chapters. Once hailed as an inspiration for competing in the Olympics with prosthetic legs, Pistorius' legacy turned tragic and violent. He was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, transforming a feel-good story into a true crime headline. A Hall of Fame running back turned Hollywood star, O.J. Simpson became a cultural villain after being tried—and controversially acquitted—for the double murder of his ex-wife and her friend. His televised trial blurred the lines between sports, crime, and celebrity like never before. Cleveland fans will never forgive Art Modell for moving the Browns to Baltimore in 1996. His decision ripped a franchise from one of the NFL's most loyal cities, earning him eternal villain status in Northeast Ohio. Known as one of hockey's toughest enforcers, McSorley crossed the line from physical to criminal in 2000 when he struck Donald Brashear in the head with his stick. The brutal act ended in a suspension and assault conviction, turning McSorley into one of the NHL's most infamous villains. Once celebrated as one of pro wrestling's most technical performers, Benoit's legacy became horrifying after he murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. The tragedy rocked WWE and forced the industry to reckon with brain trauma, mental health, and its own silence—erasing Benoit from official history and branding him wrestling's darkest villain. The face of 1980s wrestling and a pop culture icon, Hogan's heel turn came outside the ring. Leaked racist comments and a messy lawsuit against Gawker destroyed his legacy with many fans, turning Hulkamania into a PR nightmare and casting a shadow over one of wrestling's biggest names. Brooks talks big, fouls hard, and embraces the role of the NBA's newest heel. From taking shots at LeBron to low blows and ejections, he's become a walking tech foul and a fan favorite—to root against. Undefeated and ultra-rich, Mayweather flaunted his wealth and trash talk as much as his defense-first boxing. His persona outside the ring was just as polarizing as his style inside it. T.O. was a touchdown machine with a flair for the dramatic—and the disruptive. His wild celebrations and locker room tension turned him into one of the NFL's most divisive stars.


CBS News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Jim Irsay, Colts owner who died at 65, was "unapologetically himself," Robert Kraft says
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is being mourned across the NFL after his death at 65 years old on Wednesday. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft described Irsay as having a "unique spirit and energy" and being "unapologetically himself." The Colts announced Irsay's death on Wednesday, saying he died "peacefully in his sleep." No cause of death has been released. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Irsay. Jim was a passionate Colts fan whose love for the game of football was only matched by his love for music. He brought a unique spirit and energy into the room and had an unmistakable presence," Kraft said in a statement released on Wednesday. Throughout Tom Brady's tenure with the Patriots, Irsay's Colts were one of the team's main rival with Peyton Manning at the helm for much of that era. The Colts were later at the center of the infamous Deflategate controversy. Brady commented on the Patriots' Instagram post of Kraft's statement with three heart emojis following Irsay's death. Behind the scenes, Kraft and Irsay were also two prominent owners in the league. "Jim's boldness defined his legacy, not just as the steward of the Colts, but as someone who never shied away from being unapologetically himself," Kraft said. "His contributions to our league and his compassion for his community will leave a lasting mark. On behalf of my family and the entire New England Patriots organization, I extend our deepest condolences to the Irsay family, the Colts organization, and all who knew and loved him." Irsay took over sole ownership of the team after his father died in 1997. Irsay also had a passion for American history and pop culture. In 2023, his traveling museum exhibit, which included over 200 guitars, came to TD Garden.