ZWExton
I think the precedent that these type inter-team squabbles have never resulted in being "headlines" makes it a pertinent discussion when it does happen.
Again, without belaboring the point.... the Patriots don't make it a habit to occupy the headlines with things going on within the team and management. The fact that this was made a big deal, to me, means there's something there going on with regards to a certain degree of power struggle.
But do I think it's something that Belichick and Brady can't put aside to continue working together? No. Especially now, given that Belichick has no other choice, really.
Both are chasing the same goal. The head coach undoubtedly wanted to prepare for Brady's eventual retirement, disagreed with letting go of a promising backup that would fit in with his offensive scheme, and was looking out for his own best interests in the coming 2-3 years. And the came can be said of Brady.
I think there was more here than a TMZ story.
This would've been a non-story had Belichick not reacted the way he did with Brady's personal trainer/nutritionist.
Belichick felt that he was being undermined, and decided to make a statement that he still ran the team, despite losing his veto in the personnel side of things.
This isn't that hard to piece together.