Sports Redux: Brady Suits NFL

Fans of American Football in London won't see a textbook example of the sport when the New England Patriots play the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. If the game on display isn't something the league really wants on display - unless the NFL loves potentially one-sided games - then that leaves this year's London game as a means to promote the league through its stars. In other words, Tom Brady.

That's what Mike Reiss theory is, and he believes Brady has embraced that theory, too. That would explain the sight of Brady in a suit surrounded by teammates in their casual team gear. It might explain more detailed, emphatic answers to media inquiries instead of the usual Belichick-speak we are treated to.

A sample:

"I know all the players are really looking forward to the game. It's a pretty unique experience for all of us...I really love playing the game...There are only a couple really important things in my life and this is right at the top of the list."

All that's left is Brady to be Brady on Sunday.

We know Laurence Maroney has problems with exchange rate in England and hasn't embraced the old world like Brady. Certainly, by now, he's learned what language is spoken in London. However, Pats owner Robert Kraft thinks an NFL franchise would thrive in London.

It's October 24, the NBA season doesn't begin until Tuesday for Boston, and someone named Charley Rosen at FoxSports.com is already scouting specific match-ups in a potential Celtics/Lakers title clash in eight months.

If you've neglected BC in 2009, well, we can't really blame you. Bostonist isn't making a prediction about Saturday's game at Notre Dame, but BC is a surprising 5-2 squad that might have more to offer the Irish than you might think. BC hasn't lost to Notre Dame since 2001. Old friend Charlie Weis probably needs to win this game, though. The Globe gets you ready for the game with a gallery-style primer on the BC-ND battle.

Despite baseball's 2009 season still being played, the Red Sox Hot Stove season is already stoking up. Briefly: Tony Massarotti expects Jed Hoyer to become the San Diego Padres general manager; the Herald says Tim Wakefield will be back in 2010; Massarotti also makes the startling prediction that the Red Sox will have money to spend this winter. Amazing how the Globe finds these things out.