Tampa Bay Buccaneers Legend Tom Brady Triumphs in Lawsuit After Charity Funds Misused — Tampa Bay Stands with Its Quarterback Icon
Tampa Bay, FL — From his legendary start in 2000 with the New England Patriots to his iconic Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, Tom Brady is widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time. With seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, and countless NFL records to his name, Brady’s career has set a standard of excellence that few can ever hope to match. His arrival in Tampa Bay rejuvenated the franchise, leading them to their first Super Bowl title in 18 years and bringing a level of success that changed the face of the Buccaneers organization forever.
Off the field, Brady’s influence extends far beyond his athletic achievements. Through his TB12 Foundation, founded in 2009, Brady has dedicated himself to helping children in need, particularly in the areas of health, education, and sports. The foundation raised millions to provide at-risk youth with educational scholarships, athletic opportunities, and health programs designed to empower them to reach their full potential. Brady’s commitment to fitness and wellness also spurred many of his philanthropic initiatives, especially in promoting mental and physical health among young people.
However, a recent scandal rocked the foundation when an audit revealed that a significant portion of the funds had been misappropriated. Less than 35% of the donations meant for youth education, sports programs, and health initiatives had been used for their intended purposes. Over $1 million had been spent on unauthorized expenses, lavish events, and unnecessary executive perks. The betrayal of the trust placed in Brady and his foundation shook both the Tampa Bay community and fans around the world.
Brady, known for his leadership, integrity, and resilience, immediately took action to address the issue. With the full backing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his supporters, Brady launched a legal campaign to ensure that those responsible were held accountable. The Buccaneers organization stood firmly by their star quarterback, sending a clear message that no one would tarnish the legacy of the player who had brought them their most recent Super Bowl title.
The court ruled decisively in Brady’s favor. The charity was ordered to repay over $3 million in misused funds, and the individuals responsible were banned from holding leadership roles in nonprofit organizations for the next ten years. The recovered funds were redirected back into the foundation’s original mission — providing scholarships, health initiatives, and sports programs for disadvantaged youth.
In a display of true generosity, Brady declined any personal compensation from the legal outcome. Every dollar recovered would go directly into supporting the same causes he had always championed, ensuring that his foundation’s work could continue uninterrupted.
Brady’s message to his community was simple yet profound:
“If anyone dares to misuse the trust we’ve built to help our youth, they’ll answer to me — and they’ll answer to this city.”
Tonight, Tampa Bay doesn’t just celebrate a legal victory; it honors a hero who continues to fight for what’s right, both on and off the field. Tom Brady remains the face of the Buccaneers, a symbol of greatness, leadership, and commitment to a better future for all. His legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game is matched only by his ongoing dedication to uplifting the next generation.
The Lightning could decide to promote some of them on the NHL roster
The Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-2) are getting back in their groove, winning four straight games after their 2-1 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars. While the Lightning look to rise to the top of the Atlantic Division their American Hockey League (AHL, Syracuse Crunch) and ECHL teams (Orlando Solar Bears) are heading in opposite directions. The Crunch are cruising, with a 6-1-0-0 record, which leads the North Division, while the Solar Bears own a dreadful 1-4-0-0 record, allowing twice as many goals (20) as they’ve scored.
Even still, there are standouts littered in the minors for Tampa Bay, and in some instances, the Lightning could decide to promote some of them on the NHL roster.
AHL: Jakob Pelletier, F
The Lightning signed Pelletier to a three-year contract last offseason in the hopes he’d reach his massive upside. At 24 years old, the 2019 first-round pick scored four goals and seven assists with a plus-10 rating in 24 games for the Calgary Flames last season. That’s an average of about 14-24-38 over a full season, and he was usually playing bottom-six minutes.
Unfortunately, the Flames traded the winger to Philadelphia for Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost in late January. Pelletier couldn’t get back his offensive spark in Philadelphia. With the Flyers, he scored just three goals, five assists, and eight points in 25 games, sometimes being healthy scratched. When he was due $840,000 on a qualifying offer on a two-way deal, the Flyers non-tendered him, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Pelletier hasn’t made his debut with the Lightning, but with the Crunch, he’s thriving. Through seven games, Pelletier has notched four goals and five assists, with a plus-1 rating. He currently leads the Crunch in points and goals. In a 5-2 win against the Hershey Bears, Pelletier had two goals and an assist.
If Pelletier keeps this pace up, the Lightning could recall him, and he could be an injection of youth Tampa Bay desperately needs right now.
AHL: Dylan Duke, F
Dylan Duke is another young talent the Lightning hope can evolve into an NHL-caliber forward. He was drafted 121st overall by Tampa Bay after a stellar career with the Michigan Wolverines. In 2023-24, Duke was on a team with NHL draftees Gavin Brindley, Rutger McGroarty, and Seamus Casey. However, Duke led the team in goals (26) and finished third in points (49). Overall, he finished with 54 goals and 46 assists in 123 games.
Duke has just one goal in the NHL level so far, but he is turning a new leaf with the Crunch this season. He’s scored one goal and added six assists for seven points through seven games. He is currently in the top 20 in assists in the AHL level.
It appears Duke could be taking a big jump from his rookie season, when he scored 20 goals, 20 assists, and 40 points through 62 games. Like Pelletier, Duke is another young forward the Lightning are looking to develop into an NHL-caliber player. Unlike Pelletier, Duke is just 22, and he has time to grow and become another late-round NHL contributor for the Lightning.
ECHL: Spencer Kersten, F
It’s hard to find a standout for the Solar Bears this season, but there’s one player who’s been tried and true for them. Spencer Kersten continues to shine for Orlando.
Kersten spent four years with Princeton University and one year at Bowling-Green University before signing with the Solar Bears in 2024. In his rookie season, Kersten shined, recording 25 goals and 30 assists for 55 points through 60 games. That earned him a spot on the 2024-25 ECHL All-Rookie team.
This year, Kersten has increased his scoring output, with three goals and three assists for six points through five games. He is on pace to record 86 points this season.
That could earn Kersten a recall to the AHL. His strong play with Orlando earned him brief stints with the Crunch and the Belleville Senators on loan. He scored one goal in nine games with the Crunch, but he could be in line for more opportunities in the AHL if he keeps up this pace.
