It turns out Bill Belichick does have a sense of humor.
CBS Sports reported Friday that the New England Patriots coach addressed reporters following the team's day of OTAs. He spoke for the first time since the organization was fined $1 million, forfeited its first-round draft pick in 2016 and faced the possibility of playing the first four games next year without quarterback Tom Brady.
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The penalty is the result of the underinflated footballs that were discovered at halftime of the AFC Championship Game. The Wells Report later determined that two Patriots equipment personnel workers were responsible for deflating the balls with Brady's knowledge.
When the issue of Deflategate came up after the Patriots' OTAs, Belichick didn't exactly issue a denial.
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"That was a long time ago. We're onto next year," Belichick said. "2015. You can forget about last year. That was last year."
Funny stuff, except, no one in the media, or the NFL is ready yet to forget about last year. USA TODAY Sports reported that Brady's appeal of his four-game suspension for his involvement in the incident is scheduled for June 23.
A person with knowledge of the situation spoke on the condition of anonymity to USA TODAY Sports, saying the appeal could last through June 25.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has not addressed whether he will recuse himself from hearing Brady's appeal. According to USA TODAY, Goodell wants to hear what Brady has to say.
Jimmy Garappolo, Brady's backup who will start the season as the quarterback if Brady's suspension is upheld, learned from the Belichick school of answering media questions.
When asked the prospect of replacing Brady, Garappolo said, "I'm just going out to practice every day to improve."
Pressed further about whether he felt bad for Brady, Garappolo responded, "He's accomplished a ton. Four Super Bowl rings. That's as impressive as it gets. You have to worry about the things you can control. I'm just trying to come out here every day and get better."
Do you think we should forget about Deflategate because it happened a long time ago? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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