Brady disputes ESPN report, denies celebrating Garoppolo trade

Tom Brady is hitting back after last week’s explosive ESPN report detailed an intensifying rift that is tearing apart the Patriots dynasty.

During his weekly radio appearance on WEEI’s “Kirk & Callahan” show Tuesday morning, Brady disputed the report’s claim that he “seemed liberated” and was "hollering and cajoling" the day after the Patriots traded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers in October.

“I think that is such a poor characterization," Brady said. "In 18 years I have never celebrated when someone has been traded, been cut. I would say that is disappointing to hear that someone would express that, or a writer would express that because it is so far from what my beliefs are about my teammates and I think I am very empathetic about other people’s experiences. I know those situations aren’t easy.”

ESPN had reported that owner Robert Kraft ordered Bill Belichick to trade Garoppolo against the coach’s wishes to appease Brady, who has been open with his intention to remain the team’s starting QB into his 40s.

Brady also denied the part of the report that said he took issue with Belichick for not winning the team’s Patriot of the Week award this season.

“No, I think things like that, I can’t imagine me ever saying that, or me talking about that," Brady said. "It’s hard to even answer that question. I have won it plenty of times. Again, it’s hard to even answer that question. There’s really no basis for it. It’s hard to — I don’t know. I just shake my head.”

Brady dismissed the notion that he harbors ill will toward Belichick.

“Coach Belichick has been such a great coach and mentor and I certainly could never accomplish anything in this sport without everything that he has taught me,” he said.

On Monday, Belichick said he “absolutely” intends to coach in New England next season.

The drama, however will resume on the field Saturday, when the Patriots return from their playoff bye week to host the Titans, hoping to raise their sixth Lombardi trophy with the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trio.