Why has the NFL fined Buccaneers’ Tom Brady over $11,000? Watch the kick out video

Given the amount of uproar that the now infamous call caused, it’s not entirely surprising that the league has seemingly attempted to balance the scales where the star QB is concerned.

NFL fines Tom Brady for kicking out at Grady Jarrett

According to reports, the NFL is reportedly fining Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady for trying to kick Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during the teams’ Week 5 clash. As per reports, Brady has been fined to the tune of $11,139 for kicking at Jarrett on the very same play that the Falcons defender was flagged for roughing the passer. Fans will recall that Jarrett was flagged on the play in the fourth-quarter after he tackled Brady. Video appears to show Brady kicking his leg toward the Falcons defender, however, it’s not clear as to whether he makes contact.

What’s interesting here, is that had the play stood, Brady and the Bucs would have suffered a 10-yard loss and would likely have had to punt the ball, which in turn would almost certainly have given Atlanta a chance at a comeback. Instead, a flag was thrown for roughing the passer and the Bucs, having retained possession of the ball were able to run down the clock and escape with a 21-15 win.

Falcons’ Grady Jarret is incredulous but does he have a point?

Speaking on Tuesday, Jarrett said that he remained in “disbelief” about the game-changing call, which by the way was defended by referee Jerome Boger who made it. “‘Look, you see him now. Let’s clean it up.’ You know what I’m saying? And then it happened again at the end of the game,” he said. “I’m like, ‘So, we going to let this slide?’” Interestingly, Brady who responded to criticism by saying, “I don’t throw flags” went on to expand on his thoughts during his “Let’s Go podcast.”

“It was a long hug, a long unwelcome hug from Grady,” the seven-time Super Bowl champion said. “And he was in the backfield all day. So as I said after the games, I don’t throw flags. What I do throw is tablets, and I didn’t have one accessible at that time. He had a hell of a game. I’ll leave it at that.”

What to make of Brady’s fine?

While it’s reasonable to assume that the NFL is trying to clamp down on any potential ‘roughing’ since the terrible concussion inducing tackle on Tua Tagovailoa, it’s beginning to look like there is the possibility of all manner of unnecessary situations. Consider, Teddy Bridgewater’s recent removal from a Dolphins game. Also, when we consider the fact that there have been several times when referees have been accused of favoring Brady and the fact that Brady himself has kicked out at a player before after being tackled, it starts to look like the NFL might be trying to level the playing field. Regardless we’re pretty sure this won’t be the last we hear of ‘roughing the passer’ this season.