I Get It

He wanted to make the announcement himself, and not let some little prick like Adam Schefter get the scoop. but when he says, in effect, "No, I'm not retiring" over the week end, and then Tuesday comes around and he says, "I'm retiring" - it just points up the perfect ending to Tom Brady's perfectly prima donna career. What a great footballing asshole that guy is.

Reuters:

Brady announces retirement from NFL after record-setting career

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, widely considered the greatest player in NFL history, announced his retirement on Tuesday after a career during which he won a record seven Super Bowl championships.

The 44-year-old Brady spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles, before relocating to Tampa Bay and leading the Bucs to a championship last season.

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady wrote on Twitter.

"There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."

No hat tip to the hundreds of guys who fought and bled - and were likely crippled in some way - so he could do what he did. No thought for coaching. None for trainers or staff (or ballboys, ahem), or even for the fans who paid him the millions that line his fucking pockets.

Just Brady - always and only Brady.