The NFL is always cautious when it comes to controversy and violations. They act thoroughly with their investigations into various incidents and continue to do so despite the circumstances in these unprecedented times.
The latest investigation was sparked by new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Tom Brady. The legendary signal-caller visited offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich’s house, which sparks concern when considering the strict rules mandated by the NFL and NFLPA’s offseason work rules.
The NFL quickly made a ruling on the matter.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the NFL’s inquiry determined there was no violation of offseason work rules.
The NFL made an inquiry into Tom Brady’s recent visit to #Bucs OC Byron Leftwich’s house and determined there was no violation of offseason work rules, per league spokesman @NFLprguy. “It was a brief personal visit and Tom picked up the playbook.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2020
According to the work rules, Tom Brady was not allowed to work out with any coaches prior to April 20. The visit was also required to be voluntary and not take place on the weekend.
The NFL determined the visit between Brady and his new coach was a brief personal visit so Brady could acquire the playbook. Although the encounter came prior to April 20 (it occurred on April 7), it was not a workout or team-wide event but rather Brady looking to expand his knowledge by learning his new team’s playbook.
Although Tom Brady was cleared of this investigation, it’s not the first time he’s gotten into trouble in his one month in Tampa Bay. First, he was seen working out in a Tampa Bay park, which went against the updated COVID-19 guidelines. Then, he barged into someone’s house, thinking it was Leftwich’s when in reality it belonged to a neighbor of the offensive coordinator. Brady was not charged or cited for either incident.
Brady’s first few weeks in Tampa Bay have been hectic, to say the least, but that is to be expected when the greatest player of all-time walks away from a 20-year legacy to begin a new chapter in his life.
