Stephen A. Smith Defends Tom Brady's Decision to Ignore NFLPA, Work Out With Teammates
By Liam McKeone
Despite the pleas of the NFL's Players Association, Tom Brady is among several players who are continuing to work out together. First Take tackled the subject today, debating whether Brady should face criticism for that decision. I am among those who believe he absolutely should.
Stephen A. Smith is not. He argued that it is possible to work out while adhering to safety protocols that lower the chances of everyone involved catching coronavirus.
.@stephenasmith got fired up after Max criticized Tom Brady and his Buccaneer teammates for working out at a Tamp Bay high school ? pic.twitter.com/zCYMtW2k65
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 24, 2020
This is definitely a true statement. It is not what Brady did. He posted several Instagram pictures of himself and his teammates six inches apart (rather than six feet), sans-mask, and video evidence captured by Tampa Bay local news contradicts Smith's argument.
“Brady-Chopper” back in action high about Berkeley Prep for Tom #Brady and his Bucs Bunch’s latest workouts. Despite NFLPA’s recommendation for players to stop workouts together Brady continues to get his new team ready. #GoBucs @FOX13News @TheHerd @FOXSports @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/Nkr5eSKnTn
— Kevin ODonnell Fox13 (@ODonnellFox13) June 23, 2020
It doesn't even look like these guys are wearing gloves! Tough to see how Smith can defend it in the way he did. Unless, of course, he didn't see the video.
The whole segment is pretty entertaining if you want to watch it on YouTube. Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman is mentioned. But Smith is in the wrong here. Brady should not be criticized for working out-- he should be criticized for his choice to pretend social distancing is an optional activity with no ramifications to be found.