Watch CBS News

Ben Affleck Launches Epic 'Deflategate' Rant

LOS ANGELES, CA (CBS SF/AP) – Ben Affleck gave former ESPN personality Bill Simmons' new HBO talk show a lively start with a five-minute, expletive-filled rant on "Deflategate."

During an interview on the Wednesday debut episode of "Any Given Wednesday," the Berkeley-born actor/director passionately criticized the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, for suspending New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for using underinflated balls during a 2015 playoff game.

The New England-raised Affleck called the issue a "ridiculous smear campaign" and questioned Goodell's integrity.

Affleck's appearance is being heavily discussed on social media. Some said he appeared to be drunk, while others said he was just an angry and passionate Patriots fan.

On a recent Facebook post, Affleck responded back on social media with "For those of you keeping score at home, I gave exactly 18 f*cks about my Pats. Upon reflection, 12 probably would have been sufficient,"

For those of you keeping score at home, I gave exactly 18 f*cks about my Pats. Upon reflection, 12 probably would have...

Posted by Ben Affleck on Thursday, June 23, 2016

Affleck has acknowledged treatment for alcohol addiction more than a decade ago. A representative for the actor didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Simmons tweeted that the interview was taped in the late morning and Affleck was simply "fired up."

Watch the expletive-filled NSFW clip below:

Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons: Ben Affleck on Deflategate (HBO) by Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons on YouTube

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.