Dave Portnoy, the head of Barstool Sports, left Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony early and later defended his decision on Twitter.
The event, held at Gillette Stadium to celebrate Brady’s illustrious career with the New England Patriots, ran later than expected. Portnoy, donning a Celtics hat, explained that he departed to catch the end of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.
“The ceremony was supposed to end at 9:30 and it’s running really late,” Portnoy said. “Kraft still has to go, Brady still has to go, and we’re already in the mid-third quarter.”
Portnoy, a passionate Celtics fan, felt that Brady would understand his decision, citing Brady’s own mentality of always looking forward to the next challenge. Despite trying to stream the game on his phone during the ceremony, technical difficulties forced his hand.
“I’m like, I have to watch this f****** game,” he continued. “This is Banner 18. Yeah, Tom Brady, I love you, but what’s Tom Brady always say? His favorite banner is the next one, and that’s how I am.”
As Brady spoke, he acknowledged the “Brady 4” group’s attendance, despite Portnoy’s absence. Portnoy recounted his rush to a local bar to catch the game, despite receiving criticism from peers like Julian Edelman and Bill Burr.
“I run to a bar, I don’t walk. I’m sprinting to a bar to watch the game. Now I’m getting chirped,” he said.
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Portnoy’s dedication paid off as the Celtics won 106-99, taking a 3-0 series lead. He likened his decision to Brady’s move to Tampa, emphasizing his commitment to supporting Boston sports.
“It’s unfortunate, they’re going on at once. My phone wouldn’t work. I need to be locked in. I’m living and dying. I can’t sit there silently,” Portnoy explained.
As the Celtics edge closer to their first NBA title since 2008, Portnoy reflected on his priorities, “The Brady 3 got some shine – let them have it. I’ve had enough shine. I don’t do this for publicity and to be like: ‘clap for me.’ I do it to bring banners [and] trophies to this city. And that’s what I had to do last night.”
