Tom Brady Could Be Punished By The NFL For Criticizing Referees Over Controversial Ejection As An Owner

Tom Brady is not allowed to criticize NFL officials as a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the greatest quarterback of all-time did exactly that as a color commentator.

It was a direct violation of league rules that could result in reprimand.

Brady, who signed a 10-year, $375 million contract to serve as an on-air analyst with Fox, recently joined on as a part owner of the Raiders. He and Knighthead Capital co-founder Tom Wagner purchased 10% of the organization. Their stake in the team was approved last month.

As an owner, there are a lot of rules. Many of the outlined restrictions directly contradict Brady’s television role and prevent him from doing his job to the fullest extent.

Brady is:

• Not permitted to be in another team’s facility
• Not permitted to witness practice
• Not permitted to attend broadcast production meetings, either in person or virtually
• Subject to the NFL’s gambling policy
• Subject to the NFL’s anti-tampering policy
• Prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials and other clubs

That last one is the focus of this specific conversation. Brady publicly criticized game officials during Sunday’s game between the Lions and Packers at Lambeau Field.

Detroit defensive back Brian Branch was ejected from the contest during the second quarter for targeting. It was the correct ruling. Branch made direct contact with his helmet to the head/neck area of Green Bay wide receiver Bo Melton. However, most people would agree that the hit did not warrant an ejection.

The officials did not. Branch was removed from the game because of the targeting call.

Tom Brady did not like the decision and expressed his disagreement on the Fox broadcast — even though he is “prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials and other clubs.”