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Is Drew Brees Damaging His Pristine Reputation By Harping On Bountygate?

Drew Brees is one of the most genuine, likable players in the NFL, holder of a squeaky-clean reputation and leader of America’s feel-good, post-Katrina 2010 Super Bowl champions. But Brees isn’t happy about how the NFL is handling “Bountygate,” and he’s been voicing his opinion loudly, most recently on Thursday’s Late Show With David Letterman. He made it clear that he’s heard enough about the whole shebang… but while he did it, he harped on it himself. Here’s he is, with Letterman:

The key line, to us:

“Unfortunately, it seems like it’s been more of a media campaign than it is actually finding the truth to the matter… I think our position as players has been, we just want to see the facts of the investigation and just put the truth out there and just let us move on.”

That sounds fine and dandy, but the NFL did actually present evidence to members of the media over a week ago. The conclusion? According to the NFL, Gregg Williams admitted to the bounty program. And there was solid evidence that the program existed. But the details or extent of the wrongdoing were both unclear.

Regardless, we’re not sure Brees should be so vocal. He claimed he wasn’t aware of the program and that it’s “not something that I believe that our team would be engaged in.” He added that “if indeed it is proved…then yes, there should be punishment enforced.” I understand that he’s a leader standing up for his team, but is this worth it? Things don’t look good for his side. If more proof comes out, he’s going to look bad for defending them so passionately. He’s about as bulletproof reputation-wise as anyone in the league, but this won’t end well. People change their opinions quickly.

More from last night’s show:

“I’ll be honest with you, and I think I can speak for all fans in America for that matter, we are tired of hearing about it. We don’t want to talk about it anymore… if (we’re proven innocent), then let’s exonerate these men because, at this point, it seems like it’s a smear campaign. We’re dragging them through the mud, we’re ruining their reputations and careers with no true evidence.”

Well, there is evidence. And by doing this, you might be ruining your own reputation, as well as further damaging your team’s. Brees is probably right that America doesn’t want to hear about it anymore, so he should probably not talk about it anymore. People aren’t mad at Drew Brees yet, and they shouldn’t be. But he’s walking on thin ice, and there’s very little reward at the other side, it seems.

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[NFL.com]