Confusion Abounds over Tom Brady’s Future

Is he retiring, or is he not? There is conflicting reports that Tom Brady may or may not retire after reports exploded Saturday afternoon claiming that the seven-time Super Bowl Champion was planning to hang it up after 22 seasons in the NFL.

The announcement of Brady's retirement initially came from Adam Schefter and other normally trusted NFL sources. Of course the internet exploded with remembrances of Brady's legendary career.

Then something wild happened. Reports started trickling out late Saturday afternoon that Brady was not retiring.  Soon reports were coming from Mike Giardi of the NFL Network and Greg Auman of the Athletic with statements from Brady's own father, his agent and others in TB12's circle denying that Brady had made a decision.

Brady's agent Don Yee was quoted by ESPN's Adam Schefter that Brady would be the only one to make an official announcement on his future.

Even the Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians denied that there was any legitimacy to reports that Brady had indeed called it a career, saying they had heard nothing.

So what is the status of Brady's future? It's anyone's guess. One thing is for sure, the Brady retirement announcement took a life of its own on Saturday, one that if it were true would have clearly overshadowed the NFC and AFC Championship games. It was also an example of how social media can run amuck before anything is truly fact-checked.

If Brady is indeed planning to retire, it's hard to imagine he would want to be a distraction for the NFL during a championship weekend.

If Brady doesn't announce any retirement plans within the next two weeks, he is to be paid roughly $15 million of his $20 million signing bonus according to Spotrac.

Hopefully, the GOAT can clear this up on his own time, in his way.