Second Thoughts

Brady jersey confiscated across border

Tom Brady’s jersey from Super Bowl LI turned up in Mexico in the possession of an international credentialed
media member.
Tom Brady’s jersey from Super Bowl LI turned up in Mexico in the possession of an international credentialed media member.

The mystery of Tom Brady's missing Super Bowl jersey led police all the way to Mexico, and authorities were investigating a former tabloid newspaper executive's possible role in the theft.

Police and the NFL announced Monday that Brady's jersey, which disappeared from the locker room after the New England Patriots' 34-28 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons last month, had been found in Mexico. The NFL said the jersey was in "possession of a credentialed member of the international media."

U.S. and Mexican officials have not yet identified the suspect, but the name of a former newspaper director circulated widely in Mexican news media and on social networks.

The newspaper's owner, Organizacion Editorial Mexicana, issued a statement saying the director had resigned from La Prensa on March 14 for "personal reasons." The company learned only Monday of his possible involvement in the jersey case, it said.

The paper said that if the accusations are true, it "strongly condemns" that the employee used his position "to obtain a media accreditation to be able to access the field of play, news conferences and probably other areas of NRG Stadium."

The company apologized and said its leaders had been unaware of "the regrettable and reprehensible actions (he) presumably committed," and said it had not been contacted by Mexican authorities about the case.

No arrests had been made as of late Monday. The Associated Press is not identifying the director because he has not been charged.

Brady, in a statement emailed to The Associated Press from his agent, Don Yee, expressed gratitude to investigators but said he hadn't yet been reunited with the jerseys.

"I am happy my jerseys from SB 49 and SB 51 have been recovered, and I want to thank all of the law enforcement agencies involved," Brady said. "I know they worked hard on this case -- and it is very much appreciated. Hopefully when I get the jerseys back I can make something very positive come from this experience."

The missing jersey -- and the subsequent investigation -- captivated Patriots fans and social media for several days after the Super Bowl.

"If it shows up on eBay or something, somebody let me know," Brady said after the game.

Houston police investigators relied on a tip from an informant to trace the jersey, estimated to be worth about $500,000, to Mexico.

The jerseys are in the possession of the NFL and FBI in Boston, and law enforcement was working to authenticate them, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said.

He said it

From Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald:

• "People in most of the nation complete NCAA Tournament brackets. Except in Alaska, where they fill out Iditarod brackets."

• "If your NCAA Tournament bracket is still perfect, clearly you know absolutely nothing about college basketball."

• "My favorite thing was how during Northwestern tournament games, the TV people managed to work in a little basketball between shots of Elaine from Seinfeld in the stands."

SPORTS QUIZ

How many players have won five Super Bowl titles?

ANSWER

Two. Charles Haley and Tom Brady.

Sports on 03/21/2017

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