Tom Brady Won’t Attend GOP Convention to Support Donald Trump
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Don’t expect to see Tom Brady at this year’s Republican National Convention.
While Donald Trump seems to be pretty chummy with the Patriots quarterback, Brady likely won’t be speaking on behalf of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, according to a new report by ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Despite speculation to contrary, Pats QB Tom Brady will not be attending Republican National Convention in Cleveland this month, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 5, 2016
Brady’s friendship with the controversial business mogul turned politician has been the focus of media scrutiny ever since a “Make America Great Again” hat was spotted in his locker last fall.
The Patriots star’s decision to skip the GOP convention is probably a smart choice, as Brady probably doesn’t want to court any more controversy than he already has. The quarterback has caught enough flak for not denouncing the presidential candidate over his remarks about banning Muslims as well as for calling Trump one of his good friends.
“Donald is a good friend of mine,” Brady told WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan in December. “I’ve known him for a long time. I support all my friends, that’s what I have to say. He’s a good friend of mine, he’s always been so supportive of me.”
Brady isn’t the only person who is opting out of a trip to Cleveland for the convention, as several prominent Massachusetts Republicans will also be skipping the event, albeit for likely different reasons than the Patriots star.
Gov. Charlie Baker will be missing the convention this year due to his issues with Trump, as well as former Gov. Mitt Romney. Other notable Republican leaders who are skipping the festivities include former President George W. Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, and Arizona Sen. John McCain.
Since so many politicians won’t be backing Trump at the convention, the presumptive nominee has been forced to turn to celebrities and sports stars, which is why Brady’s name has been floated around.
Trump told the New York Times in June that he hoped to book several high profile speakers for the convention, including Brady, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, NASCAR CEO Brian France, and UFC president Dana White.
Other names that have been throw around range from former boxing champion Mike Tyson to ex-Bears coach Mike Ditka. However, Ditka said that he had to decline the invitation while Trump stated that he never actually invited Tyson, although the boxer is a fan.
Iron Mike Tyson was not asked to speak at the Convention though I'm sure he would do a good job if he was. The media makes everything up!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2016
