Tom Brady’s new role as a color analyst for Fox Sports has already seen him brush up against some strict NFL broadcasting rules. Brady, now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, faced potential backlash for publicly criticizing a call in Sunday’s Lions-Packers game. Given the hefty restrictions on NFL owners criticizing officiating, some speculated Brady might face penalties similar to those imposed on other NFL figures, like Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who was hit with a $100,000 fine last year for doing just that.

However, the NFL decided not to punish Brady, clarifying that his comments didn’t “cross the line.” According to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, the league only has “concern if Tom was egregiously critical of officiating or called into question the integrity of an official or crew,” and that didn’t happen here. Brady’s remarks, while disapproving, weren’t viewed as harsh enough to warrant fines or penalties.

The incident occurred after Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected for a hit on Packers receiver Bo Melton, flagged for unnecessary roughness. During the broadcast, Brady expressed his disagreement with the call, stating, “I don’t love that call at all… obviously that’s a penalty, but to me, that has to be serious intent in a game like this.” While Tom Brady’s comments challenged the decision, he stopped short of questioning the officials’ integrity.

Interestingly, Fox’s Dean Blandino later clarified that “intent” isn’t part of the criteria for such calls, suggesting that Brady’s critique may have missed the mark. Still, the NFL’s lenient response raises some eyebrows, as Brady seems to enjoy a bit more leeway than others. For now, it seems that Brady’s newfound “wiggle room” could be an advantage as he finds his footing in his dual roles as an NFL owner and a Fox analyst.

This connection to this incident a similar thing happened last year. That time, the accused weren’t left alone. Yes, we are talking about Chiefs’ HC Andy Reid and their QB Mahomes.

Andy Reid once took a hit: $100,000 fine for criticizing officials

In a tough week for the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid faced a $100,000 fine for his post-game comments following a controversial loss to the Buffalo Bills last year. After the Chiefs’ 20-17 defeat, Reid expressed his frustration about an offsides penalty that wiped out a potential game-winning touchdown, saying it was “a bit embarrassing” for the NFL.

“I’ve been in the league a long time, and I haven’t had one like that,” Reid lamented, highlighting the shock of getting no prior warning from officials about such a critical call. He wasn’t alone in his criticism; quarterback Patrick Mahomes also voiced his displeasure, receiving a $50,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct and his own comments about the officiating.

Mahomes was seen slamming his helmet in frustration, calling the penalty “elementary school stuff.” He added, “You wait until there’s a minute left in the game to make a call like that? It’s tough.” Both Reid and Mahomes found themselves in hot water for not sticking to the NFL’s longstanding rule against public criticism of officials, which has seen others, like Steelers owner Dan Rooney in the past, get fined for similar infractions. So keep the focus on the game, not the refs!