“Cheap Way to Play”: Tom Brady Faced Harsh Criticism From Legend Michael Phelps for His Dangerous Behavior in 2013

With 28 Olympics medals, Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history. He dominated the swimming pool and became a prime example of unprecedented feats of athleticism. He spent hours in training, single-mindedly working towards being the best.

Naturally, he is staunchly against foul play like doping or other underhanded methods to gain on competitors. So when Tom Brady’s dangerous exchange on the field in 2013 was suspected to be intentional, Phelps spoke up.

Michael Phelps commented on Tom Brady’s play

At the 2013 AFC Championship, Baltimore Ravens went up against the New England Patriots and a scuffle on the field made headlines. The Patriots quarterback and NFL legend, Tom Brady, was scrambling inside the 10-yard line late in the second quarter. 

It was when incoming safety Ed Reed forced the veteran quarterback into a slide to protect himself that the controversy began. Brady extended his leg higher than necessary and nearly injured Reed had he not jumped to protect himself.

Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps criticized the quarterback’s alleged attempt at foul play, taking to Twitter to express his displeasure. “I mean really? You’re allowed to just kick your spikes up like that at the end of a play?? #cheapwaytoplay,” he wrote. The NFL fined Brady $10,000 for unnecessary roughness upon further review of the case. 

READ MORE: “Phelps Doesn’t Normally..”: 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Reveals Michael Phelps’ Unexpected Gesture After World Championships 2022

Afterward, Brady reached out to Ed Reed to apologize for the move as, intentional or not, he could have seriously hurt the player. “He actually reached out to me, texted me. I tried to text him back, but the message exploded after 12 seconds, so I had to call him … and he’s just apologized and whatnot. But I told him, ‘You know, it’s good, man,’” Reed shared.

Phelps also took a stand against doping

The 23-time Olympic champion dominated the sport for almost two decades, equivalent to the length of his career, In 2019, Michael Phelps talked to CNN and declared that he felt he’s “never competed in a clean field once.”

“That has to change,” added Phelps, as he reflected on the issue of doping in sport. “If you test positive once, you should never be allowed to compete again.” While Phelps had already retired, he remembered the arduous training he put himself through.

He told Business Insider in 2018 that while he enjoys watching competitive swimming, he doesn’t miss being in the pool. “I love being around the pool, I love being around the sport, but I don’t miss that grind that I put my body through for 25 years to get myself to be ready to be able to compete at a high level,” he said.

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Phelps’s Mother Fought With Teachers to Save Him From Health Disease Insecurities

As a father of three sons, he fills his days after retirement, spending time with his family and taking entrepreneurial and philanthropic roles.