Tom Brady is technically not permitted to criticize NFL officials during game broadcasts now that he is a part-owner of a team, but it sounds like the league is going to allow him to do his job.
Because he recently purchased a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady is subject to certain restrictions while he calls games as an analyst for FOX. One of those restrictions states that he cannot criticize NFL officials or other teams.
Brady and FOX play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt called Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected from that game over a helmet-to-helmet hit on a receiver. Brady was vocal in expressing that he did not feel Branch should have been thrown out of the game.
“I don’t love that call at all. Obviously it’s a penalty but, to me, that has to be serious intent in a game like this,” Brady said.
The NFL could easily argue that Brady was criticizing league officials and fine the legendary quarterback. According to Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports, there will be no disciplinary action taken against Brady.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy also confirmed in a statement on Monday that Brady will not be fined unless he is “egregiously critical” of an official or officials.
“The concern would be if Tom was egregiously critical of officiating or called into question the integrity of an official or the crew,” McCarthy said. “That did not occur in this instance.”
In order to effectively do his job as an analyst, Brady has to be able to share his opinion. It is in the NFL’s best interest for Brady to succeed with FOX, which is why the league will almost certainly turn the other cheek anytime the seven-time Super Bowl champion disagrees with a call.
Brady is subject to several other restrictions now that he owns a piece of the Raiders, but it does not seem like any of them are going to create serious issues for him at FOX.
