Tom Brady under fire for using 'offensive' term to describe NFL star Josh Allen's performance

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Tom Brady, now in his eighth week as an NFL broadcaster, faced backlash for using an offensive term on air during the Buffalo Bills’ 31-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 27.

The 47-year-old former quarterback is currently in the first season of a high-profile 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports.

Tom Brady’s commentary on Josh Allen sparks backlash

Despite some ongoing criticism for his commentary style, fans reacted strongly after Tom Brady reportedly used the term "spaz" when referring to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s playing style.

In his description of Allen’s growth as a player during the game, Brady reportedly said, “Sometimes he played like a spaz, like a grade-schooler on a sugar high, but now he’s controlled the chaos."

He went on to say on the live TV that, "He’s like a storm coming into town, and you don’t want that storm coming into this town,” reported by Daily Mail.

What does Tom Brady's offensive term for Josh Allen 'spaz' mean?

Fans immediately spotted the use of the term "spaz," which is often considered an ableist slur, particularly because it derives from “sp*stic,” a word historically used to demean people with physical disabilities.

The term "spaz," is defined by Dictionary.com as “a slang term" used to describe someone who is "awkward or clumsy."

More definitions explain it as an "extremely offensive word for a stupid person, or a person who behaves or moves in a strange or uncontrolled way."

It is usually used to define a person who has "cerebral palsy" and is considered to be an ableist slur. 

Fans express disappointment over Tom Brady's 'awful' commentary 

The incident led to widespread criticism, with fans expressing their disappointment and frustration with Tom Brady on social media.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Thankful for the mute button.” Another commented, “Brady’s awful, mute-the-TV awful.”

“The ONLY thing worse about watching your team suck all game long is having to listen to the cold-dull-as-three-day-old-dishwater @tombrady announce the game. #ShutUpDude," wrote another. 

The word choice continued to shock many viewers, including another user who shared, “Hey Alan @StillTalkinTV did you hear Tom Brady call Josh Allen a ‘spaz’ in the first half of today’s Bill’s game? Highly offensive to people who have physical disabilities as well as their loved ones.”

Some fans defend Tom Brady amid criticism

While many condemned Tom Brady’s language, a few fans defended him, criticizing the Internet’s response.

One user commented, “NFL fans were angry at Tom Brady for saying Josh Allen acted like a spaz sometimes. I wonder if they are offended at speakers at Trump rally calling Harris anti-Christ & the so suave Trump calling her a sh*t VP. Just wondering.”

Another viewer shared a different angle, referencing past controversies by stating, “Fffaaaacccctttss. Tom Brady was a commentator on the Bills game and he made SEVERAL homoerotic comments about the players and their bodies and I was like he even used the word spaz on live TV. Lizzo got dragged thru the mud for that and here we are football was wild today.”

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.