NFL legend Tom Brady finds himself under the scrutiny of former teammate and rival James Harrison, who is calling out the quarterback for alleged foul play.
Brady’s latest venture with Autograph, Valiant Management Group, and the Detroit vs. Everybody brand has introduced a “Michigan vs. Everybody” silicone wristband.
The wristband sales aim to support Wolverine student-athletes, with donations directed to the Michigan collective Champions Circle, a direct aid initiative for student-athletes.
Brady’s move comes in the aftermath of the University of Michigan football program being accused of stealing signs from opposing teams, prompting an NCAA investigation.
The allegations include in-person scouting of opponents, leading to the suspension of head coach Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season.
The scandal involves a purported three-season-long, impermissible, in-person scouting operation, with former staffer Connor Stalions allegedly at the helm.
Now, on Tom Brady’s IG post announcing the Michigan vs. Everybody” silicone wristband initiative, James Harrison didn’t mince words, linking the Patriots veteran’s latest business venture to the ongoing Michigan sign-stealing controversy.
Harrison drew parallels to previous scandals, including Spygate and Deflategate, and commented:
“From stealing signs at Michigan to stealing signs at New England, you got it honestly.”
Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has a controversial history, including a suspension in 2016 related to the Spygate scandal during the 2007 NFL season.
The New England Patriots were penalized for videotaping opposing coaches’ signals during games, resulting in a four-game suspension for Brady, a $1 million fine for the team, and a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick. The team also forfeited their first-round pick in the 2008 draft.
In addition to Spygate, Brady was at the center of the Deflategate scandal in 2015, where he was accused of being aware of a plot to deflate footballs during the AFC Championship Game.
Despite a four-game suspension, Brady and the Patriots rebounded, with Brady taking the matter to court and ultimately winning, nullifying the ban.
Harrison and Brady, former rivals on the field, became teammates in 2017 with the New England Patriots.
Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, played college football at Kent State University and enjoyed a storied career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning two Super Bowls.
On the other hand, Brady, who retired at the end of the 2022 season after an illustrious 23-season career, leaves behind a legacy filled with accomplishments, including seven Super Bowl victories, 15 Pro Bowl selections, three MVP awards, and numerous records.
