Randy Moss Defends Tom Brady, Comments on Domestic Violence in NFL

Many have piled on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the wake of his four-game suspension stemming from alleged involvement in the Deflategate scandal, but don't count former teammate Randy Moss among them.  

The future Hall of Fame wide receiver spent parts of four seasons with the Pats (2007-2010), and he has the utmost respect for Brady. In addition to that, Moss doesn't view Deflategate as a big deal, according to Earl Vaughan Jr. of the Fayetteville Observer: "Over some air? If he did it, so what? He hasn't shown me anything but how he carries himself as a professional man, husband, father and athlete. Tom Brady is a pro's pro. I love the man and everything he's accomplished."

The 38-year-old retiree was extremely productive during his time with Brady, especially in 2007, when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 receiving touchdowns.

Things soured in New England near the end of his tenure, which resulted in his being traded back to the Minnesota Vikings. But his support of Brady has never wavered, per Vaughan: "I've always stood in Tom's corner. I called myself a professional but that man was definitely a letter grade above me."

Along with giving his take on Brady and Deflategate, Moss was also asked about the recent rash of domestic violence crimes in the NFL prior to his football camp.

According to Vaughan, Moss believes the onus is on the players to take responsibility for their actions: "It starts with you. You have to not point fingers. Those are just excuses and such. Once you take it upon yourself, that's how you control it."

Moss was a controversial figure as a player and had his run-ins with the law before and during his NFL career, but current players would be wise to heed his advice when it comes to domestic violence.

The all-time great is likely highly respected by those in the NFL due to everything he accomplished on the field, and if more players of his caliber continue to speak out against domestic abuse, then perhaps the league is on the right track when it comes to eliminating the issue.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.