Tom Brady risks NFL rule violation with comment on Brian Branch's ejection days after Josh Allen dispute

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Tom Brady might have landed in a difficult situation over his critical remarks about an officiating decision during the Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers game on Sunday, November 3.

Given his dual role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and an analyst for NFL broadcasts on FOX, the former professional quarterback is subject to specific regulations while in the commentary booth.

Tom Brady appears to have violated NFL rule line by criticizing referees during Lions vs Packers game

One such rule is that Tom Brady is not allowed to criticize the referees during a broadcast, and the seven-time Super Bowl champion might have crossed that line while on air on Sunday.

Lions defensive back Brian Branch was controversially ejected from the game following a hit on Packers' wide receiver Bo Melton, as per the New York Post.

The decision originated from the review center in New York, not the officiating crew in Green Bay, prompting Brady to concur with the penalty on Branch but question the choice to eject him from the game.

During the broadcast, Brady said, "I don't love that call at all," before adding, "Obviously it’s a penalty, but to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this."

He promptly resumed his analysis of the game, considering the implications of Branch's ejection for the Lions.

The former NFL star expressed, "He does so much for these guys and they’re going to have to adjust the rest of the game losing their best defensive player, who I know they were expecting to have a huge day today. Not an easy guy to replace and Green Bay has great field position now without having to do too much."

Tom Brady previously faced scrutiny for allegedly calling Bills quarterback Josh Allen a 'spaz'

Tom Brady has navigated a delicate balance in his role this season, culminating in the finalization of his ownership stake acquisition in the Raiders.

It is uncertain whether he will face consequences for his remarks about the call, but it will serve as the first significant test of his limitations in the commentary booth.

Brady previously sparked controversy for purportedly referring to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as a "spaz" during the broadcast of the Buffalo Bills vs Seattle Seahawks game. 

"Sometimes he played like a spaz, like a grade-schooler on a sugar high, but now he’s controlled the chaos," said the retired NFL star during the October 27 Fox Sports broadcast. 

During Sunday's game, Branch made helmet contact with Melton on an incomplete pass. The officials penalized him for unnecessary roughness, and subsequently, the NFL office intervened to eject Branch from the game, much to the defensive star's chagrin.

Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell stated in a pool report that the decision was reached through a collaborative effort between the on-field officials and the officiating team in New York.

"We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul. And he clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area," said Fewell.

Tom Brady finds support among fans after questioning Brian Branch's ejection

As soon as Tom Brady's on-air remarks made their way to social media, there was a wave of support for him from fans and football enthusiasts.

One said, "Why wouldn’t he be allowed to say that? I think what he said made perfect sense," and another wrote, "Everyone relax. He never said it wasn’t a penalty. He just thought it was too much to have New York step in and eject him. If you don’t want him to call games cause of ownership, that’s another thing."

"If he can't say that, then he shouldn't be working as Fox's top analyst and be a minority owner. This was tame, and the fact that you all want to aggregate it is pretty sad. Try harder," expressed a supporter.

A person who resonated with Brady's thoughts on Branch's ejection remarked, "Why not? He’s right, so true. Officiating is SO uneven and arbitrary this season. More so than the past several years."

"He didn't critize the call he questions the ejection which came from new york and they don't officiate the game.. so he's fine with that comment," pointed out an individual. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.