NFL legend Tom Brady may be in hot water with the league after making comments that potentially violated NFL rules during his appearance on FOX Sports’ broadcast of the Packers vs. Lions game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Brady, who is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, voiced his disagreement with an officiating decision, which could lead to repercussions.
During the game, a controversial call occurred late in the second quarter when Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers receiver Bo Melton.
While the hit was ruled illegal, many felt the ejection was extremely harsh.
Brady agreed and shared his thoughts live on air, stating, “I don’t love that call at all. Obviously, it’s a penalty, but to me, there has to be serious intent (for an ejection).”
Brady’s critique of the officiating could be problematic, as NFL rules prohibit team owners from publicly criticizing game officials.
As a part-owner of the Raiders, Brady is bound by several league regulations, including restrictions on criticizing referees, interacting with other teams, and participating in certain NFL activities like practices or production meetings.
Specifically, the NFL rule Brady may have broken states that team owners are “prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials and other teams.”
This whole situation amplifies just how complicated things have become with Brady’s unique situation.
On one hand, there’s nothing fans hate more than when broadcasters take the PR route with their analysis and refuse to “tell it like it is.”
On the other hand, it’s literally required that Brady – as an NFL owner – refrain from publicly criticizing referees.
This is why the situation is so complicated.
While many people expect Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league to look the other way on the apparent violation by Brady, some are eager to call the NFL out on the hypocrisy of the whole situation.
Either way, the real loser in the situation is the fans.
Assuming Brady doesn’t decide to step away from broadcasting, he’s going to collect every penny of his $375 contract from FOX.
If Goodell and the league enforce the “no criticizing” rule, it just means that Brady’s analysis will be even more safe and generic than it already is.
What is your take on the unique (and bizarre) situation???
