Tom Brady Punished by NFL for Dirty Trick vs. Cowboys in Bucs Playoffs - LOOK
SAN JOSE - Tom Brady couldn't trip up the Dallas Cowboys, who are in San Jose this weekend for the second round of the playoffs, having ended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season Monday night in dominating fashion, 31-14.
No, no, Brady couldn't trip 'em up. But he tried. He got caught.
And now he's being punished.
On Saturday afternoon, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport announced that Brady was fined $16,444 for unnecessary roughness for trying to trip/kick Dallas' Malik Hooker.
This is not a new Brady technique, as NFL fans know. But that doesn't make it any safer.
Meanwhile, with Bucs quarterback Brady's season ending without a Divisional Round appearance for only the sixth time in his career, talk now turns to his future.
Did the Cowboys end Brady's season? Or his career? That remains to be seen, but he certainly has options.
He is a free agent and can choose to re-sign with Tampa Bay, sign a new contract with a new team, or retire. ... again.
In the post-game press conference, Brady didn't really tip his hand, although he gave much praise to the Tampa fans, the media, and the Bucs organization.
"I'm going to go home and get a good night's sleep, as good as I can tonight," Brady said. "There's been a lot of focus on this game. It'll just be one day at a time, truly."
As recent as last offseason, there were reports and rumors that Brady was interested in joining the Dolphins, who appeared to be actively pursuing him. With Miami's current quarterback situation in question, as Tua Tagovailoa ended the season with another concussion, the Dolphins would likely still be interested.
Or it's been speculated Brady might join his old coach Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas with the Raiders, who just ousted their franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
With the win, Dallas exorcized a couple of demons, breaking an eight-game road playoff game losing streak dating back to the 90s, and ending Brady's career 7-0 domination over the franchise.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott left that aforementioned season opener with a broken thumb and missed the next five weeks. He returned to Raymond James Stadium in triumphant fashion on Monday night, with possibly the best quarterback performance of the entire Super Wild Card weekend.
Dallas will now prepare for the San Francisco 49ers, while Brady prepares for his future. Either a future with or without football. ... but probably with his trademark dirty trick.
Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?
America's Team ALERT! Get your Dallas Cowboys game TICKETS from SI Tickets ... here!
Follow FishSports on Twitter
Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook
Subscribe to the Cowboys Fish Report on YouTube for constant daily Cowboys live-stream podcasts and reports!
