TOM BRADY UNHURT IN MINOR CAR ACCIDENT

The New England Patriots got an unexpected scare on Thursday when quarterback Tom Brady—who, ironically, was in the process of finalizing a contract extension with the team—was involved in a car accident in Boston’s Back Bay area.  Fortunately for all concerned, the incident turned out to be minor with Brady escaping without any injury and the other motorist suffering only superficial lacerations.  Brady made it to practice, and suffered no ill effects from the experience.

That didn’t spare his teammates from a few anxious moments when head coach Bill Belichick announced that Brady had been in a car accident.  Rookie tight end Rob Gronowski expressed mixture of concern and relief at hearing the news that Brady had been in an accident:

"We're just all thankful he's fine, and glad he's back here already, and back working. Obviously it's a shock, no matter who it is. You never want to hear information like that. We're all thankful everyone is all right and he's here."

Brady didn’t go to the hospital, and after dealing with the usual law enforcement procedures made it to practice a bit late.  Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain suggested that Brady showed no signs of injury as he went about his business as usual preparing for Sunday’s season opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals:

"He didn't make it seem like it was anything serious.  I saw [Brady] a little while ago and he looks OK. I saw him walking in, he had a smile on his face, no abrasions. I think he's fine. That was my first reaction."

While he didn’t address the media personally, Brady’s agent David Yee released this statement on his client’s behalf:

"I want to thank the safety personnel for their service, and express our concern and support for the well-being of the occupants of the other vehicle. I don't have any other information to share at this time."

Earlier in the week Brady had talked about his feelings of gratitude toward being healthy and able to play—his words seemed downright eerie following the crash:

"You count your blessings when you come off the field. I think you have a new appreciation when you do come off the field, win or lose. You're trying to win every time out, obviously. But I think you also pinch yourself every time you walk off the field healthy and say, 'Man, at least I get a chance to go out next week and play also.’”

With no long-term harm from his accident and a new contract in hand, Brady can now turn his attention to the 2010 NFL season starting with the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Patriots are a -4’ point NFL betting favorite in the game, with the total set at 44’.