New England Patriots

‘Best Buddies' Founder Defends Relationship With Tom Brady

With the Best Buddies football game kicking off a weekend-long fundraiser Friday at Harvard Stadium, the charity's founder defended its relationship with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the wake of recent criticism.

Brady is the face of the charity, and after a recent Boston Globe article, the relationship between him and Best Buddies has been scrutinized.

The Globe reported that $3 million of what Best Buddies raised went to Brady's charitable trust.

"I was never hiding anything because it's all out there and all in the public," said Anthony Shriver, a Kennedy relative and the founder of Best Buddies. "I guess it could have been more transparency. I don't really list out all the expenses related to the event. I don't list out what the tents cost, what the cars cost, what the lobsters cost."

Still, Shriver says that information is out there for all to see.

"The good news is that it's all available, and if you look at our 990, which is what we are required to file with the IRS, it's all public information," he said. "Tom Brady is listed on 990."

Friday, the Globe reported one of their photographers was not allowed into the football game. Shriver said he hadn't heard anything about that, but that this weekend alone, his charity will raise $6 million.

If Brady weren't the face of his charity, Shriver said, the organization would never have made as much money.

More than 2,500 people are expected to take part in this weekend's events, which will include a bike run ending in Hyannisport. It's all in support of people with developmental disabilities.

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