Donald Trump on Friday praised the New England Patriots' embattled quarterback, saying that the NFL should "leave Tom Brady alone."
"We love Tom Brady," Trump told reporters before speaking at an event with supporters held at a private home in Norwood, Mass., outside Boston. His comments brought cheers from some of Patriots' fans in the crowd. "As you know, he's a very good friend of mine."
Trump's comments came in response to a question on whether Brady should reach a settlement with the National Football League and the NFL Players Association over his four-game suspension in light of the "Deflategate" scandal.
A federal judge has urged Brady and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell settle the case or to appear in his courtroom Aug. 31, just days before a Sept. 4 target for a ruling. Both sides agree that they want the matter decided before the Patriots’ Sept. 10 season opener at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I know Tom Brady," Trump said. "Tom Brady is an honest guy. He's a great guy. He's a great champion and winner. Leave him alone."
Brady was suspended by the NFL after it was discovered he used under-inflated footballs in last year's AFC Championship Game and for allegedly failing to cooperate with the league's investigation.
It's not the first time Trump came to Brady's defense. Speaking last week on
Fox Business Channel, Trump said the league's treatment of the Super Bowl champion was 'ridiculous.'
"They ought to go back to playing football. This country has bigger problems," he said on Fox Business.
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