Ref explains Tom Brady’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty

Referee Shawn Hochuli explains why he gave Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Los Angeles Rams Divisional Round game will go down as one of the most eventful playoff games in recent memory. That includes the plays, as well as the penalty calls by referees. One that stood out the most was Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady being given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the second quarter after arguing with referee Shawn Hochuli following a hit by Von Miller that left him with a bloody lower lip.

Hochuli explained after the game, via the pool report, that he gave Brady the penalty because he “got in [his] face in an aggressive manner and used abusive language.” That quote comes courtesy of The Athletic’s Greg Auman.

Shawn Hochuli explains why he penalized Tom Brady

As Hochuli mentions, he did not believe that Miller’s hit on Brady was worthy of a penalty. You can take a look at the play below:

https://twitter.com/TedBuddy8/status/1485357744030846976?s=20

Brady was asked about the officiating following the game, but did not elaborate on it, saying that he will be fined if he said anything.

On the play itself, Brady’s eight-yard pass to wide receiver Mike Evans was negated by the 15-yard penalty and turned into a loss of seven yards. The Buccaneers would get into field goal range, but Ryan Succop’s 48-yard attempt was unsuccessful.

The Buccaneers would come back and tie things up, thanks to numerous errors committed by the Rams. However, a 44-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp set up Matt Gay’s 30-yard, game-winning field goal.

Brady finished the game completing 30-of-54 pass attempts for 329 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Buccaneers fans, here is your official answer from Hochuli regarding why Brady got the penalty and there was no penalty on Miller.