Tom Brady insults Buffalo hotels

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Why is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady taking jabs at Buffalo? His comments have struck a nerve with the Queen City.

What started as a Brady story about his dad often coming to see him play quickly turned to a Buffalo bashing moment, and it played out in front of sports reporters from around the nation covering the Super Bowl.

The Patriots was talking about his dad supporting his career, traveling everywhere, even Buffalo - and then he made this comment.

"I don't know if you guys ever been in the hotels in Buffalo, but they're not the nicest places in the world. But he would still travel to those," said Brady.

And that zing has the city talking. Brady's comments started a flurry of conversation on Twitter, with Buffalo Twitter users using the hashtag # BradyonBuffalo to mock Brady's comments.

Former Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello said, "I think he should have been more concerned about the game in Buffalo where he threw four interceptions instead of the hotel. I mean, maybe if he had a better night's sleep he would've done better."

Buffalo News senior sports columnist Jerry Sullivan is in Indy covering the Super Bowl.

Sullivan said, "As he's walking out of the ballroom, I kind of went over to intercept him and from a short distance, 'Hey Tom!' And get his attention. I go, 'The worst hotels in the league. Do you rank them?' He keeps walking. They're trying to get him out of there. And he laughs and he goes, 'No, they're fine.' And then right near the exit, he looks and goes, 'Don't write that; you'll get me in trouble.'"

Visit Buffalo Niagara responded, stating, "Buffalo Niagara is filled with excellent hotel options to meet the needs of the most refined travelers."

Bryan Drew, general manager of the Embassy Suites downtown, was a little surprised.

"Tom Brady comes to Buffalo once a year, and to pass judgment like that I think is just irresponsible at best. We got some great hotels, especially here downtown," said Drew.

Steve Eminger, defenseman for the New York Rangers, grew up in Toronto and knows Buffalo. He has a much different opinion of the hotel scene.

Eminger said, "It's always been a nice area, a welcoming area. Hotels have been fine."

Even Senator Charles Schumer tweeted, "Hey Tom...Why not ask Rob Gronkowski how great Buffalo is? Good luck getting him to catch your passes."

Schumer was referring to the fact that Gronkowski plays for the Patriots, and happens to be an Amherst native. One thing is certain: this is sure to kick up the Buffalo-New England rivalry a few notches.