Tom Brady had a lot to get off his chest Monday morning.
The New England Patriots quarterback joined WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" and was asked about the team's decision to release Antonio Brown on Friday.
Here's his initial answer:
"I do have a lot of personal feelings, none of which I really care to share. That's about it. It's a difficult situation. That's kind of how I feel."
Neither Brady nor the Patriots have elaborated much about Brown, who was accused of rape and sexual assault in a recent civil lawsuit and reportedly sent intimidating text messages to a woman who accused him of a separate act of sexual misconduct.
But the subject of Brown's release apparently touched a nerve with Brady, who spoke at length Monday morning about how he wants the best for all of his teammates.
"I care deeply about my teammates," Brady said. " ... I've had a lot of teammates over the years, so you invest not just your head, but your heart. You invest your soul. That's what makes a great team. That's what makes a great brotherhood.
New England Patriots
"So, I think the endearing trait about sports for me is the relationships I get to build, because they're very meaningful. That's at the heart, philosophically, of my life. It's really about great relationships and seeing guys from all different backgrounds. I think it brings all of us together in so many ways."
Brady seemed supportive of Brown during the wide receiver's 11 days in New England, sending him positive messages on Instagram and congratulating him after the two connected for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Some would argue that support is misguided given Brown's alleged transgressions off the field, but Brady appeared to take issue with criticism of players dealing with issues, regardless of what they are.
"People that know me know how optimistic I am, and just my belief that positivity and optimism can overcome a lot of things," Brady added.
"There's a lot of things that get in the way of that. I think we're in a culture where people want to cast judgment quickly on people. We want to disparage people so quickly. And it just speaks to me that a lot of people are probably hurting, because when you're not feeling great, you want other people to know that. I think it becomes very emotional.
" ... I believe the more you care for people, the more you love people, the more you find joy in your life, the better our society is, the better our communities are, the better our teams are, the better our families are. That's how I feel."
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