Tom Brady and his family live on the doorstep of The Country Club in Brookline, so it’s only natural that the New England Patriots quarterback would want to apply to be a member. The Country Club is a 133-year-old homage to opulence and privilege, which according to the Boston Globe, didn’t allow its first Jewish member until the 1970s and women as full members until 1989.

Brady doesn’t have religion, gender, or race working against him. He has four shiny Super Bowl rings, already lives in the neighborhood, and is a Boston hero. He does have one thing that might be offensive to the sensibilities of the distinguished The Country Club. The Boston Globe spoke to members of The Country Club about The Country Club’s review of Brady’s application to The Country Club, and there is one concern.

“What may work against the couple, members say, is the media frenzy following Brady in the aftermath of Deflategate.”

“It’s really about who you are. Do you have good values?” one member said. “It’s that old New England mentality.”

Until 1994, when The Country Club allowed its first black member, it was also about race, apparently.

The application to The Country Club is a strenuous process, which involves applicants to be sponsored by two current club members, provide the admissions committee with testimonial from seven people who have a personal relationship with the applicant, and enjoy a cocktail reception with that same admissions committee.

Our thoughts are with Brady and his family during this emotional and taxing time.