We’ve seen it before. The mistaken identity and people tweet at the wrong person with their outrage or support.
That has happened to Tom Bradby who is not American, but the political editor for ITV in the UK. That’s right, Tom Bradby, with two b’s unlike the suspended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, has been the brunt of some angry tweets at the quarterback, but also some supportive tweets from Pats fans.
It’s been quite interesting, but Bradby seems to have a sense of humor about it all. First, let check out out some of the tweets directed at Tom BRADBY, not Tom Brady over the whole Deflategate scandal.
First, I’m sure that as a reporter, Bradby is used to seeing this type of insult.
@tombradby You are are a lying, crying, cheating scumbag
— Victor Rios (@Vrios1555) May 14, 2015
Not sure how Tom Bradby feels about being called an American hero and a “dcreamboat.”
I'm sending my love to @tombradby and The Patriots during these difficult times. You're a true American hero and certified dcreamboat.
— Sheryl Moran 🚂🇱🇷 (@beanielady58) May 20, 2015
Actor/comedian Mike Epps, the star of the new ABC series Uncle Buck and a Colts fan, tweeted at Tom Bradby:
We're watching you @tombradby! #coltsnation #standup #rematchcoming @Colts @nfl #DeflateGate pic.twitter.com/Zkdxhhu5M2
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) May 13, 2015
Here’s one fan who’s not concerned about not having Tom Bradby available for fantasy teams:
https://twitter.com/da_dream14/status/598497288122544130
Here’s one who thought the Brady suspension was depressing for Bradby:
@tombradby Must be quite deflating for you
— Jon Rest (@jonrest) May 11, 2015
Even Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade got the two Tom’s confused:
Get ready for @megynkelly show..I am coming up at some point in the show..talking #deflategate @tombradby boys fireback @foxandfriends
— Brian Kilmeade (@kilmeade) May 15, 2015
One listener to ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike was fed up of Tom Bradby and the Deflategate coverage:
Please stop talking about @tombradby @espn @Espngreeny @espngolic This is overkill #DeflateGate
— Jason Morris (@jason_morris_sc) May 15, 2015
Finally, Tom Bradby thought he would have some fun with the whole Deflategate thing by issuing his own “statement” on the whole thing. And people did retweet it thinking it was real.
In answer to the critics, I just want to make it clear that the reaction to Deflategate is vastly overdone – as is the suspension.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) May 19, 2015
And Tom was amazed by those searching for the Pats QB and finding his account:
Actually, having said that, a lot of my timeline is still filled with Americans who can't spell and news of Tom Brady and deflategate.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) May 19, 2015
On and on it goes. Hundreds of abusive tweets about some bloody ball I deflated. So just regular political abuse is a bit of a relief.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) May 19, 2015
The funny thing is I do sometimes genuinely puzzle now over whether the abuse is actually intended for me or for Tom Brady.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) May 19, 2015
Maybe I should just bill him and Gisele for the time spent talking to their fans.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) May 19, 2015
At least Tom is getting a break from covering UK politics and the aftermath of the recent elections there. He seems to be enjoying the confusion. Perhaps the two Tom’s can meet one day and share a laugh over the whole thing.
[Tom Bradby Twitter/Huffington Post UK]
