NFL makes Tom Brady decision after his on-air criticism of referees sparked huge controversy

Tom Brady appears to have avoided any punishment over his criticism of officials during Sunday’s Lions-Packers game in Green Bay, Front Office Sports is reporting.

The Fox Sports announcer and Las Vegas Raiders minority owner has been restricted in his commentary after agreeing to follow NFL rules prohibiting league staff from publicly criticizing officials or other teams.

Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox prior to the 2024 season and has since agreed to become a Raiders minority owner, which has resulted in the conflict.

He appeared to cross the line on Sunday in Green Bay, when Lions safety Brian Branch flagged for a hit to the head on the Packers’ Bo Melton.

There was little question about penalizing Branch, who was ultimately ejected after the league office in New York reviewed the play.

Brian Branch (32) is called for unnecessary roughness after a tackle on Bo Melton

Brian Branch flips off the crowd in Green Bay after being whistled for uneccessary roughness

To Brady, the ejection was too far.

‘I don’t love that call at all,’ Brady said. ‘I mean, obviously, it’s a penalty, but, to me, that has to be serious intent in a game like this.’

That might sound tame compared to other announcers, who aren’t subject to league rules regarding the treatment officials. But given his status as a Raiders minority owner, there was the chance that Brady could be fined or otherwise penalized for his comment.

In any case, Brady will not be punished for the comment, a source told Front Office Sports.

An NFL spokesman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.

Branch, however, may not get off so easily. The 23-year-old Alabama was penalized again for barking at officials and appeared to flip off the Packers faithful as he left the playing field in Green Bay.

Ultimately Detroit would win, 24-14, to improve to 7-1 despite a number of major injuries across the defensive line.