QB Brees clarifies bounties, weapons analogy

One day after tweeting an analogy comparing the NFL's bounty investigation to former President George W. Bush's administration using the media to shape public opinion on Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction, Drew Brees sought to clarify his point.

One day after tweeting an analogy comparing the NFL's bounty investigation to former President George W. Bush's administration using the media to shape public opinion on Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sought to clarify his point in a text message to ESPN's Ed Werder.

"If NFL fans were told there were 'weapons of mass destruction' enough times, they'd believe it," Brees tweeted Monday. "But what happens when you don't find any????"

In a text message to Werder on Tuesday, Brees said he did not mean to offend anyone with his analogy.

"My comments about 'weapons of mass destruction' had nothing to do with politics or war," Brees said in the text. "I have an extreme respect for our military and have not nor will I ever compare football to war. They are the soldiers, they risk their lives, they defend our freedom and make this world a safer place.

"I was merely drawing an analogy to explain how a media campaign can strongly influence public perception. I apologize if i offended anyone. This bounty allegation is a serious matter that affects the lives and careers of a lot of people and the integrity of the game. We need to make sure the process is fair and correct and that the truth is revealed rather than predetermined conclusions."

Brees has made five USO trips to nine countries in his support of United States Armed Forces.

Brees also took to Twitter on Tuesday to reiterate his clarification.

"My WMD comment has nothing to do with politics or our brave military. Merely an analogy to show how media influences public perception," Brees tweeted. " I apologize if the WMD comment offended anyone. Especially our military. There is no one I respect more than our service men and women."