Brady holdout? Boston Herald pulls columnist's erroneous report

The Boston Herald pulled a story written by columnist Ron Borges claiming New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is prepared to sit out offseason work unless he receives a contract extension with up-front money similar to what the San Francisco 49ers gave Jimmy Garoppolo on Thursday.

Garoppolo's five-year deal is reportedly worth $137.5 million, with $90 million guaranteed in the first three years - the largest three-year cash total for a new contract in NFL history.

Borges' story was removed from the website around 7:30 a.m. Friday; however, it appeared on the front and back cover of the latest Herald print edition, according to CBS Boston.

Can't delete paper, @RonBorges. @bostonherald pic.twitter.com/C4gjjpwMZk

- Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) February 9, 2018

The false scoop was apparently relayed by "Kirk & Callahan" radio show listener "Nick in Boston," who reportedly texted with Borges while pretending to be Brady's agent, Don Yee.

Nick in Boston told Ron Borges that he was Don Yee and @RonBorges ran with it. Here is the evidence. pic.twitter.com/xKc4e5XGOy

- Kirk & Callahan (@KirkAndCallahan) February 9, 2018

Boston Herald sports editor Sean Leahy addressed the story, saying "We're looking into it," according to PFT's Michael David Smith.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.