In the midst of testimony on Monday before the House Intelligence Committee, FBI Director James Comey referenced his personal dislike for the New England Patriots while trying to make a point about Russia and the 2016 election.

“To put it in a homely metaphor, I hate the New England Patriots,” Comey said. “No matter who they play, I’d like them to lose.”

Here’s the full context:

“I hate the New England Patriots" – Federal Bureau of Investigations Director James Comey pic.twitter.com/GGrIOcX278 — Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) March 20, 2017

Later in his testimony, Comey was thanked for his agency’s participation in successfully finding and retrieving Tom Brady’s stolen Super Bowl jersey. At that point, he offered a follow-up explanation on his feelings for the Patriots.


“If I’m honest with myself, the reason I don’t like the Patriots is they represent sustained success. And as a Giants fan, that drives me crazy.”