The start of New England’s OTA sessions probably won’t be the only customary event Tom Brady will miss this offseason.
A source told Sporting News that Brady isn’t expected to attend this year’s Kentucky Derby either, which takes place on Saturday, May 5.
Brady had become a familiar face on Millionares Row. Even so, his absence from the nation’s most celebrated horse-racing event wouldn’t be as surprising as his decision to skip the opening of New England’s voluntary workout program earlier this month for a family vacation in Qatar.
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Brady, whose squabbles with head coach Bill Belichick over personal training methods became public knowledge last year, is believed to be the NFL’s only starting quarterback who didn’t report on Day 1 of the 10-week OTA programs.
The quarterback's agent, Don Yee, told ESPN that his client will be playing in 2018. But how frequently the league’s reigning MVP and all-time winningest Super Bowl quarterback will frequent Patriots headquarters during the offseason remains in question, especially with him wanting to spend more time with his family.
Brady will reportedly host a passing camp with some of his teammates later this summer, which could help make up for some of the lost practice time.
He usually attends the Derby with a slew of his teammates along for the ride. The belief among several of them in the know is that Brady won’t be heading to Louisville, the source said.
Brady was unavailable for comment through New England’s media relations department.
The Derby already lost another Patriots connection earlier this month when “Gronkowski” — the horse named after New England’s star tight end Rob Gronkowki — was forced to withdraw after recently becoming ill.
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