• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Tom Brady Won’t Be Punished for Criticizing Packers-Lions Ejection

The “Brady Rules” faced their biggest test so far after the Fox analyst/Raiders owner questioned a major call on the air Sunday.
Tom Brady
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Tom Brady is still feeling out how far he can go in his new role as Fox’s lead NFL analyst.

Though the league has barred Brady from criticizing officials—and much more—on the air because of his stake in the Raiders, there appears to be some wiggle room.

Brady won’t be punished for his comments during Sunday’s Packers-Lions game, a source familiar with the situation told Front Office Sports.

Lions defensive back Brian Branch was flagged for unnecessary roughness Sunday for hitting Packers receiver Bo Melton in the head. After a review from New York, Branch was ejected.

“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 in a game like this.” 

That would appear to violate the league’s ban on Brady criticizing teams or referees. But the NFL had “no issue” with his comments, according to the source. Brady won’t be fined.

On Monday, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy clarified—for the first time—exactly where the line was for Brady. “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 in a statement. “That did not occur in this instance.” 

The NFL generally issues five-figure fines for first-time offenders who criticize refs, though it depends on the situation. Chiefs coach Andy Reid was fined $100,000 last year. Owners have rarely crossed the line or been punished for it; in 2006, Steelers owner Dan Rooney was fined $25,000 for criticizing the officials to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after a loss to the Falcons. 

The Raiders, Fox, and the NFL Referees Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

—Michael McCarthy contributed reporting. This story has been updated with comment from the NFL.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 19, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; The College Football Playoff National Championship trophy at a press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom.

As 2025 CFB Season Nears, 2026 Playoff Format Still a Mystery

College Football Playoff leaders are divided on its future.

MLB TV Ratings Jump: Fox Up 10%, ESPN Hits Eight-Year High

Each of the league’s national rights holders is posting audience gains.
Jun 23, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (27) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Petco Park.

Trevor Bauer Gets Legal Win Over Accuser for Violating Settlement Terms

Judge orders woman who brought sexual assault allegations to pay over $300,000.
Soccer

Chicago Stars Aren’t Asking for Taxpayer Stadium Money—Yet

A unique new law will compel Illinois lawmakers to consider women’s teams.

Featured Today

Alex Jensen introductory press conference on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Alex Jensen Started Utah Utes HC Job While Still Coaching the Mavs

How Jensen began building an NCAA program while patrolling the Dallas sideline.
May 31, 2025

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
May 30, 2025

Panthers-Oilers Rematch Could Be Big in Canada. Will U.S. Ratings Dip?

Likely viewership declines in the U.S. are countered by robust Canadian audiences.
May 30, 2025

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Coco Gauff has also said the French Open schedule could be improved.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 28, 2025

NBA East Finals Delivers Strong TV Ratings, but West Is Struggling

The Pacers and Thunder are both up 3–1 in their conference finals series.
Around the Horn
May 23, 2025

Behind the Scenes of Around the Horn’s Final Days

FOS followed Tony Reali at the penultimate taping of the ESPN icon.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”
May 22, 2025

NBC Eyes MLB Rights, Looks to Own Sunday Nights Year-Round

The league continues to shop media rights being forfeited by ESPN.