NFL Deflategate: Tom Brady denies football deflation scandal detracted from Super Bowl XLIX victory

NEW England Patriots hero Tom Brady broke his silence on the controversial ball deflation scandal that rocked the NFL in the lead-up to Super Bowl XLIX.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gestures during an event at Salem State University in Salem, Mass., Thursday, May 7, 2015. An NFL investigation has found that New England Patriots employees likely deflated footballs and that quarterback Tom Brady was "at least generally aware" of the rules violations. The 243-page report released Wednesday, May 6, 2015, said league investigators found no evidence that coach Bill Belichick and team management knew of the practice. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool)

NEW England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Thursday night the scandal surrounding his use of deflated footballs during the NFL playoffs last season hasn’t detracted in any way from his Super Bowl title.

“Absolutely not,” Brady told a friendly crowd at a university in his first public appearance since the NFL said Brady likely knew Patriots employees were cheating.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at Salem State University.

Brady declined to discuss his thoughts about the 243-page report that said that he was at least aware two team employees were breaking rules by deflating footballs for him.

The report by investigator Ted Wells found some of his claims were implausible in explaining why balls were underinflated during the playoffs last season.

The superstar quarterback spoke at a Q & A session moderated by sportscaster Jim Gray during a previously scheduled, sold-out event at Salem State University.

He arrived by helicopter for the talk on leadership, avoiding a long line of fans outside and media waiting for him to enter. The event was delayed more than 30 minutes to allow fans to file in, including some wearing Brady jerseys. During the wait, the crowd chanted “Brady” and “MVP,” then gave him a standing ovation as he walked in.

Brady’s agent, Don Yee, says the NFL was determined to blame Brady for deflated footballs in the 45-7 win over Indianapolis in the AFC title game, and the investigation omitted key facts and buried others.

Brady passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of the NFL football AFC Championship game in Foxborough.

The Patriots cancelled prior plans to make two players available to reporters during voluntary team workouts held at the team’s headquarters, then said nobody with the team would be available on Thursday. The team didn’t respond to requests from The Associated Press seeking comment from Brady and Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who was exonerated in the report.

The NY Daily News back page on #Deflategate pic.twitter.com/60eLcXj8Bt

— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) May 7, 2015

Tom Brady is at the center of the #DeflateGate drama after the release of a massive NFL probe http://t.co/8zLjcHOSNN pic.twitter.com/yfYFHxeBEj

— New York Post (@nypost) May 7, 2015

Wells concluded there was no plausible explanation for the deflated footballs besides deliberate tampering. Text messages to and about Brady led to the conclusions that he was aware, if not more actively involved, in the scheme.

The NFL is now using Wells’ findings as it considers potential punishment. Brady, the MVP of the 2015 Super Bowl, could be fined or face a suspension. The Patriots are scheduled to play their opener against the Steelers in the kick-off game of the NFL regular season on Sept. 10.

Brady arrives by helicopter for a speaking event at Salem State University.

Originally published as NFL Deflategate: Tom Brady denies football deflation scandal detracted from Super Bowl XLIX victory