On Thursday, sportscaster and journalist Jim Gray interviewed Tom Brady at Salem State University. It was the New England Quarterback's first interview since the Wells Report was released on Tuesday (6 May 2015). While the Patriots' QB did not address specific issues regarding the report, his body language was certainly very telling. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis.
Fig Leaf (Seated Fig Leaf) &
Crossed Ankles
This nonverbal cluster indicates a very beta, demure and low confidence emotional tone. There is indeed an additional component of fear here. Brady is feeling the need for protection (his hand position is also known as "Genital Guarding"). He maintains this and slight variations throughout the entire segment.
1:00
On Brady's face the primary emotion in this moment is disgust while the secondary one is anger. Do you see the specific components of these nonverbal signals?
Tongue Jut at 1:21 - Brady's psyche is telling us that he is repulsed by the report while at the same time saying that he know he's guilty of bad behavior.
".... Well my athletic career's been better than my academic career - so I ... usually I'm used to reading Xs and Os - ah ... this was a little bit longer [tongue jut]."
1:24 as Gray says, "When do you plan to address this publicly?"
"Jaw Confessional" in conjunction with a "Tongue-in-Cheek" display. This body language cluster is telling us that he feels both guilt and embarrassment - and yet, he knows he won. (Hmmm, a six or eight game suspension for a 4th Super Bowl ring?).
A Hard Swallow at 1:42
"... Whenever it happens ah, it happens and I'll certainly want to be very comfortable in how I feel about the statements that I make."
Three seconds later as Gray begins, "So since those statements right now will speak for you ..." - we then see Brady make a hard swallow (note his Adam's apple moving up and down at 1:42). This is a general indicator of significant anxiety.
1:48
Repeat Tongue Jut (second of several)
In response to the question, "... How are you handling this controversy?"
His tongue jut tells us that he has both been caught and that he is repulsed by deflategate.
1:51
When Gray continues, "... Is it bothering you?", Tom Brady immediately twists his wedding ring. The timing of this nonverbal strongly suggests that Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bündchen are having marital problems at least in part associated with Deflategate.
Eye Rub at 2:15
In conjunction with or just prior to a declarative statement, eye rubs/itches/scratches are indicative of deception.
This nonverbal MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) was made as Brady initiates and says, "... and certainly I accept my role and responsibility ..."
Tom Brady's body language has once again confessed his guilt to us - as well as disclosing marital problems.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3181: Cristiano Ronaldo defends Japanese boy on TV - Body Language of Deception
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3078: Tom Brady, Deflategate, Deception and Body Language
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3079: Tom Brady, Deflategate - Part Deux
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2945: Roger Goodell's Interview regarding Ray Rice - Denies NFL saw Video before Monday - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2935: David Cameron and ISIL-ISIS-IS, Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3109: Why Chris Christie Will Never Win The White House in 2016 (or the Republican Nomination) - Body Language Tells
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2150: Body Language Advice for President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate
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