Former New England Patriots Chaplain Don Davis Talks 'Deflategate,' Shares Message for Christian Players Potentially Involved, Fans (Exclusive)
Former New England Patriots were riding high on the heels of winning the franchise's fourth Super Bowl title three months ago, but dreams of a seamless off season have been deflated by controversy. Don Davis, the Patriots' linebacker-turned-chaplain who now serves as a player advocate for the NFL Players Association, is looking at the situation from a spiritual perspective and has a message for any Christian player potentially involved in the allegations that has resulted in $1 million worth of consequences for the team.
"Deflategate" and "Ballghazi," are terms used to describe allegations brought against the Patriots who were accused of illegally using under inflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts last January. After an investigation was launched into the matter, a 243-page report, known as the "Wells Report," created in part by lead author and criminal attorney Ted Wells, cited that text messages between Patriots locker-room attendant Jim McNally and equipment assistant John Jastremski reportedly linked them to foul play involving deflating Patriots' game footballs.
The report also stated that team quarterback Tom Brady, the Super Bowl XLIX MVP, was "at least generally aware" of rule violations taking place. As a result, the NFL fined the Patriots $1 million, revoked their first round draft pick in 2016 and fourth round draft pick in 2017, while Brady was handed a four game suspension which will begin next season.
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While the team is still dealing with the media storm and disciplinary actions that have ensued following the Wells Report findings, Davis, 42, spoke to The Christian Post about the dramatic events that have taken place involving the team.
Davis, a former linebacker who ended his career with the Patriots in 2006, believes if any Christian players were involved in the controversy they can look to the Bible for a faith based response to their actions.
"For players in particular, if we look at this from a faith perspective, Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Davis told CP. "If someone professes to be a believer and purposefully breaks rules, then they have denied the faith and made a mockery of the God that we serve."
Some people might question if the Patriots deserve to be Super Bowl champions if allegations of deflating game footballs for the purpose of giving them an unfair advantage are true. As a result, Davis believes NFL fans should understand that the pressure of the ball "had little to do with the outcome (of) either game in question."
Jack Easterby, 31, a chaplain to the Patriots who refers to himself as a "character coach," according to ESPN reports, has become a close friend to Brady, and has spoken to ESPN about the positive impact he's made on the team, even throughout the "deflategate" investigation.
"Throughout the deflategate investigation, Easterby has become something more than a character coach. Like a defense attorney, he serves his clients come what may," ESPN reported on the matter. "If the Pats are exonerated, he'll have helped them weather the storm. If not, he will embrace the chance to help them learn from it."
Easterby declined to speak with CP about the matter, but Brady has previously spoken up about the influence that the chaplain has had on he and his team.
"He's just a great person and friend," Brady previously told ESPN. "You feel a special connection with him and with his genuine caring for all the people in his life."
While Brady has been less than vocal about his own thoughts concerning "deflategate," Davis believes it's important for people to focus less on negative media reports and more on making a positive impact in the world.
"... [The] media is naturally attracted to what is negative because that is what gains national attention. When someone does something selfless and wonderful, it gets one day's worth of coverage," Davis told CP. "This is simply the reality of the world that we live in. The only thing that we, as believers, can do is work hard to make sure that we live a life that is above reproach and hope that our behavior shines a light on the darkness that is all around us. And maybe, before we die, we will have a positive impact on our spheres of influence."
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