Voluntary OTA’s began in Foxboro on Monday and Tom Brady was once again nowhere to be found. Brady’s absence has been the topic of conversation thus far, overshadowing any talk about the team. His absence is further proof that there is clearly a rift between the quarterback and the organization.

I don’t have well placed sources who told me there is a rift, but it blatantly obvious there is an issue there. Brady doesn’t have a history of skipping voluntary workouts and OTA’s. The fact that he has skipped the entire off-season program is very telling.

Brady and Rob Gronkowski were spotted at Brady’s physical therapy facility at Patriots Place on Monday getting treatment. I find that interesting for two reasons. One: They are in town. Two: Brady and Gronkowski swear by Brady’s personal trainer Alex Guerrero. Guerrero is rumored to be at the center of the rift between Bill Belichick and Brady.

Could Brady be sending the organization a message? It’s possible but I genuinely believe him when he says he wanted to spend more time with his family this off-season. He needed more time to recharge his battery. You can’t blame him at 40.

All of that being said, Brady is clearly bothered by something otherwise he wouldn’t be skipping the entire off-season program thus far. Especially when you consider the fact that he has publicly stated that OTA’s and mini camps are vitally important to the team’s success.

That is why, I believe the Belichick, Brady feud is real. If you need more proof, look at what’s going on in Foxboro this week. Brady’s absence has taken center stage at OTA’s. It will be interesting to see if he shows up to mandatory mini camp in June. My guess is Brady will be there. Then again, if this off-season has taught us one thing, you never know.