Divisional rivalry games tend to get extra physical in the NFL, and one could argue that the NFC North is the epitome of this trend. All four teams show a different level of intensity when one of their longtime rivals is across the line of scrimmage, and when the in-season stakes are especially high, the temperature is turned up even further.
This was certainly the case as Detroit Lions Brian Branch came in late and high after a pass to Packers wideout Bo Melton fell incomplete. Most viewers agreed that a 15-yard penalty was in order, as Branch clearly initiated head-to-head contact with Melton, but the officials went a step further, tossing Branch from the contest.
Let’s take a look at the play that got Branch ejected from this huge NFC North matchup.
Here’s the full sequence of Brian Branch getting ejected. Don’t think anyone saw an ejection coming here.
Seems to be very bang-bang. Thoughts?pic.twitter.com/bRql8QLAVG https://t.co/ewNOUd9jN4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2024
Few would refute the notion that the Detroit defensive back’s actions warranted a penalty, but many viewers believed that an ejection was an overly severe punishment. Brady, who was on the call, shared that point of view, and let his viewers know.
“I don’t love that call at all. I mean, obviously, it’s a penalty, but, to me, that has to be serious intent in a game like this.”
Is Tom Brady allowed to say that? pic.twitter.com/FOVEuLWJFV
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 3, 2024
Brady echoes the sentiment that the play was a clear penalty, but certainly not an ejection. A commentator questioning an officiating decision is nothing new, so why is there any controversy around Brady’s comment?
The seven-time Super Bowl winner was in the news recently as he was approved to be a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, putting him in a unique position as both a media personality and a team owner. Some special rules were reported to be in place, placing severe restrictions on what Brady can and cannot do while on the job.
Criticizing officials was one of the things reported to be off limits for Brady, so will he be getting in trouble, or was the report at least in part erroneous? We’ll see how the situation is handled, but many fans would agree that if Brady is able to act with such candor going forward, it would certainly be a boon for his broadcasting career.
