Punishment could be on the horizon for FOX announcer and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady after his controversial comments during Sunday’s Packers vs. Lions broadcast. Brady, 47, appeared to inadvertently break an NFL rule during the FOX broadcast of the game, which saw the Detroit Lions secure a 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers to improve to a 7-1 record this season.
The incident in question occurred in the second quarter, when Lions defensive back Brian Branch was ejected from the game following a helmet-to-helmet hit. The ejection sparked widespread debate, with Brady—alongside many others—disagreeing with the decision to eject Branch from the game.
While commenting on the call, Brady expressed his belief that the ejection was unwarranted. “I don’t love that call at all,” Brady said during the broadcast. “Obviously, it’s a penalty, but to me, there has to be serious intent (for an ejection).” His remarks, which reflected the opinions of many fans and analysts, might land him in trouble with the NFL for violating a rule that applies to owners.
Although Brady is now a broadcaster, he also holds a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, which means he must abide by specific rules outlined for owners by the NFL. These rules prohibit owners from certain actions, including publicly criticizing game officials or other teams. As a part-owner, Brady is subject to restrictions that many broadcasters do not face, which makes his comments during the Packers vs. Lions game problematic.
Brady’s ownership status requires him to adhere to several key restrictions:
- Not permitted to be in another team’s facility
- Not permitted to witness other teams’ practices
- Not permitted to attend broadcast production meetings, either in person or virtually
- Prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials and other teams
- Subject to the league’s gambling policy
- Subject to the league’s anti-tampering policies, limiting him to “strictly social communication with members of other clubs”
By commenting on the officiating and disagreeing with the ejection, Brady seemingly violated the rule prohibiting owners from publicly criticizing game officials and other teams. The NFL takes such violations seriously, and fans are anticipating that the league could impose a fine on Brady as a result.
NFL fans have already taken to social media to discuss the possible repercussions for Brady, with many speculating that he will receive a fine for his remarks. One fan wrote, “He’s probably going to get fined for it over this dumb deal he’s got, but when he stops being robotic and shares his instinctual reactions it’s pretty great.”
This sentiment reflects the divide among fans, who appreciate Brady’s candidness but recognize the potential consequences of his status as both an owner and a broadcaster.
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Another fan pointed out the restrictive nature of the league’s rules regarding criticism of officiating: “When officials call a bad game you cannot say anything about it, says NFL. If it is bad, don’t say it’s bad, if it is good say it’s good. Why isn’t AI used instead of commentators, but I guess they too might slip up and be fined.” This comment highlighted the frustration some fans feel with the league’s policies, which can appear to stifle honest commentary.
Others took a more lighthearted approach to the situation. “Monday morning Adam Schefter tweet: ‘Tom Brady has been fined and suspended,'” one fan joked, imagining how quickly the NFL might respond to Brady’s remarks. While a suspension seems unlikely, a fine appears to be a possibility if the league deems Brady’s comments to have crossed the line.
The Lions, meanwhile, emerged from the game with their seventh win of the season, sitting at an impressive 7-1 record.
However, they will certainly hope to avoid similar ejections going forward, as losing key players in the middle of games could have significant implications for their continued success. As for Brady, this incident serves as a reminder that his unique dual role as both an NFL owner and broadcaster requires a careful balance—a balance that, on this occasion, may have slipped.
With Brady now straddling the line between the broadcast booth and the ownership suite, he will have to be cautious about how he approaches his commentary in future broadcasts.
While his insights and candid remarks are appreciated by many viewers, they must also fit within the boundaries set by the league for those in his position.
Whether or not Brady faces a fine, the incident underscores the complexity of navigating his new role and the challenges that come with his continued involvement in the NFL from multiple angles.
