How Tom Brady once spelled the end for TV producer's career over controversial comment

On a crisp January afternoon in 2019, Mike Telek's two-second on-screen joke about Tom Brady cost him his job at KDKA-TV. The 27-year-old TV producer at KDKA-TV made a split-second decision that would transform him from an anonymous media professional into a viral sensation.

During the station's 4 PM news show, Telek inserted a provocative caption beneath Tom Brady's image: "Known Cheater." The graphic lasted merely two seconds but packed a powerful punch. It referenced the notorious 2015 "Deflategate" scandal. In this scandal, Tom Brady was accused of ordering footballs to be under-inflated during a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Brady at an NFL game - Source: Imagn

"I mean, it's Pittsburgh, we hate the Patriots, we hate Tom Brady, so it was a little wink for fans," Telek told Deadspin back then.

Telek bid for Tom Brady despite the backlash

Brady at an NBA game - Source: Imagn

KDKA-TV's response was swift and uncompromising. The CBS affiliate released a statement that cut through the humor:

"While fans are entitled to have personal opinions, we have a journalistic responsibility to provide unbiased reporting."

Within the next few days, Telek's career at the station had ended. His bosses cited a deliberate violation of news standards.

"She said, 'Because you did that deliberately, you no longer work at KDKA. Today is your last day," Telek said back then.

The irony wasn't lost on anyone. Despite the "cheater" label, Telek still respected Brady, declaring him "the greatest of all time." His friends launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $2,000 to support him. In a remarkable twist, Telek pledged to donate the funds to a charity in Brady's name once he secured a new job.

The context was significant. Brady was preparing for his ninth Super Bowl appearance, facing the Los Angeles Rams. The "Deflategate" controversy had already tarnished his reputation, resulting in a four-game suspension and a $1 million fine in 2015.

Social media exploded with reactions. Some Twitter users celebrated the cheeky graphic, while others defended journalistic integrity. Telek, working in TV news for about six years, found himself at the center of a media storm he never anticipated.

"I was shocked, I think everyone pretty much was," Telek said.