Tom Brady managed to dodge any repercussions after voicing his opinion on a controversial call during the Lions-Packers game.
The former star quarterback, now a broadcaster and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, took a moment during Sunday’s game to question the ejection of Lions defensive back Brian Branch. Brady’s stake in the Raiders places certain restrictions on what he can say on air, especially when it comes to critiquing officials or teams, but his comments didn’t cross the line in the NFL’s eyes, according to Front Office Sports.
The incident in question came after Branch was penalized for unnecessary roughness following a hit on Packers wide receiver Bo Melton, with New York reviewing and ultimately deciding to eject him. Brady, who’s usually careful with his words, couldn’t resist chiming in. “I don’t love that [ejection] call at all,” he said on air. “Obviously, it’s a penalty, but to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this.” The NFL, apparently, had “no issue” with Brady’s comment and opted not to pursue any fine or punishment, per FOS.
Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady will not be punished for his comments criticizing NFL officials Sunday because he didn’t meet the threshold for action, chief league spokesman Brian McCarthy tells @BenFischerSBJ .https://t.co/4uUXLEjfy9
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) November 4, 2024
This ruling comes as a relief for Brady, who’s still new to the ownership world. His minority stake in the Raiders, approved just last month after a lengthy process, means he’s subject to league rules for owners, which explicitly discourage public criticism of officials. While it’s uncommon for NFL owners to receive fines, it’s not unheard of. Back in 2006, Steelers owner Dan Rooney faced a $25,000 fine for questioning officiating in a post-game interview. So, Brady was treading on delicate ground, and his measured comment could easily have sparked an issue.
The league’s decision to leave Brady unpenalized points to a broader question about how much leeway a high-profile figure like him can have as both an owner and broadcaster. The NFL has always been careful with its image and with the influence its figures wield on public perception, particularly when it comes to officiating decisions. Brady’s light critique—calling out the lack of “serious intent”—certainly wasn’t a glowing endorsement of the decision to eject Branch, but it stopped short of the kind of pointed criticism that would warrant league discipline.
According to Senior VP of Officiating Perry Fewell, the call on Branch’s ejection was a collaborative decision between field officials and the New York officiating team. While the NFL is doubling down on hits to the head for player safety, Brady’s comment tapped into a debate many fans feel strongly about: when does a penalty cross the line into overreaction?
As Brady settles into his dual role, this situation might serve as a reminder that even his seemingly offhand remarks could face scrutiny. For now, though, he’s walked the tightrope without penalty, keeping his reputation intact in the broadcast booth and his record clean in the owner’s box. It looks like Brady, as always, knows how to play the field.
