The NFL issued Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady a $16,444 fine for unnecessary roughness during Monday’s wild-card round playoff game against the Cowboys, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The discipline comes after Brady came under fire for what some fans deemed to be a dirty tackle on Dallas safety Malik Hooker during the third quarter of the Cowboys’ 31–14 win. On the play, Hooker had recovered a Chris Godwin fumble and began to advance the ball. He eventually was brought down by Bucs receiver Julio Jones, but during the return Brady appeared to slide in an attempt to tackle the Dallas defender.
The fumble call was overturned, but Brady’s soccer-style tackle attempt left a lasting impression on those who were watching the NFC playoff tilt.
