Tom Brady in trouble? NFL could slap fine on Buccaneers QB for attempting to kick Grady Jarrett during controversial play
Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have landed himself in trouble. Brady and Grady Jarrett of the Atlanta Falcons were involved in a controversial roughing the passer call during their Week 5 matchup. Garrett sacked Brady on what looked to be a clean play. However, referee Jerome Boger flagged the Falcons' defensive tackle for roughing the passer.
It also appeared the Buccaneers quarterback attempted to kick Jarrett as both players were getting up, but didn’t make contact. An unnamed source told the Associated Press that fines for kicking are $10,500 for a first offense and $15,500 for a second. Therefore, the three-time NFL MVP could be looking at a fine of $10,500 for his actions.
The controversial play took place in the fourth quarter on the Atlanta 47-yard line, with Tampa Bay up by a score of 21 - 15. It was a third down and five with almost three minutes remaining in the game. The penalty gave the Buccaneers a first down instead of a fourth down punt and they managed to run the clock out for the win. On the Let's Go! podcast, Tom Brady spoke on the disputed call. He laughed it off, saying:
“Like I said, I don’t throw the flags, I just throw tablets.”
For Jarrett, the call was far from a joke as he may face a $15,914 fine. Making matters worse, the Falcons lost the opportunity to win the game and take control of the NFC South. The Atlanta star isn't the only defensive tackle looking at a first-time fine for roughing the passer.
Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones was called for roughing the passer on a similar play to Jarrett's. Jones sacked Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in Monday Night's game in Week Five and was called for a penalty.
Looking back at Brady's career, he was fined by the NFL while with the New England Patriots back in 2013.
Tom Brady and his fine for unnecessary roughness versus the Baltimore Ravens in 2013
The 2012 season saw the Baltimore Ravens face the Patriots in Foxborough in the AFC Championship game. In the second quarter of the game, Brady scrambled out of the pocket and slid before Ravens safety Ed Reed could tackle him. The issue was that Brady held his leg higher than normal during a protection slide. He almost injured Reed, who leaped to avoid the kick. The league fined the quarterback $10K for unnecessary roughness. No penalty was called on the play.
Fast forward to now and the seven-time Super Bowl-winner could be looking at another fine. We'll see if the league does fine the quarterback for his actions versus the Falcons.
Tom Brady will likely be unconcerned even if they do fine him. It's not as if he's short of money and the big thing for the Buccaneers was the win. They stand at 3-2 as we enter Week 6, whereas the Falcons seethe at 2-3.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Let's Go! podcast and H/T Sportskeeda.