It’s illogical to conclude Brady was “forced” in any direction by media reports. If anything, the quarterback would have had more onus to announce a return after Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington reported on his pending retirement
Actually, it is logical and it is something that people in the media are willfully blind to or weirdly don't understand. If I were Brady I would have been absolutely pissed at the media for jumping the gun on a decision I was making for myself. So what do I do?
Probably the same thing Tom did and go ahead and agree even though I hadn't made a decision either way. It festers for over a week and Brady gets even and states "Never say Never." It is called "F#$^ing with the media by changing the narrative" Of course this puts the whole "paparazzi into another frenzy with Tom in charge of the narrative.
Brady now makes the decision on his timeline (no one else's) which of course leads to exactly what has happened ie wild speculation from everyone. From the hopeful to the pessimistic to the cynical to those that want to make that decision for him. It will make for an interesting off season. LOL
Reading the tea leaves... If the Bucs don't pursue a franchise QB and pick up additional wr's Brady returns to the Bucs for at least one more year. Once again Brady calls the shot! LOL
