Boston Herald suspends reporter's column over Brady holdout hoax

The Boston Herald announced Friday it has suspended the sports column of Ron Borges after the reporter claimed Tom Brady was preparing to sit out OTAs over contract demands, a story that ultimately proved to be a hoax.

"Kirk & Callahan" radio show listener "Nick in Boston" reportedly texted with Borges while pretending to be the New England Patriots quarterback's agent, Don Yee. Borges stated his report was based off multiples sources.

"A column by Ron Borges in today's Herald regarding Patriot Tom Brady's salary discussions was based on information which proved to be false," the paper said in a statement, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "The Herald apologizes to Brady, his agent Don Yee and the Patriots, and to our readers for this erroneous report. Borges' column has been suspended pending further review."

The story appeared on the front and back cover of the latest Herald print edition and remained on the newspaper's website until around 7:30 a.m Friday.

Borges was previously suspended for plagiarism by his prior employer, the Boston Globe, according to Smith.

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