NFL icon Tom Brady has ignited controversy after using a widely criticized slur to describe a player during a live broadcast.
Brady, 47, whose storied career includes seven Super Bowl victories and five MVP honors, is often lauded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. However, his move from player to commentator has proven turbulent, despite a record-breaking contract with Fox Sports.
Last year, Brady inked a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox as a color commentator, pairing him with seasoned sportscaster Kevin Burkhardt. The expectations were high, but fans quickly voiced disappointment, critiquing Brady’s early performances in the commentary booth.
While his commentary initially seemed to be improving, Brady landed himself in hot water during a recent game between the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks. While discussing Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Brady referred to him as a “spz,” saying, “Sometimes he played like a spz, like a grade-schooler on a sugar high, but now he’s controlled the chaos. He’s like a storm coming into town, and you don’t want that storm coming into this town.”
For many viewers, the term hit a nerve. Originating from “sp*stic,” a term historically used in medical contexts to describe involuntary muscle contractions, the word later took on a derogatory meaning. Often used as slang for clumsy or hyperactive behavior, it has been criticized for its negative connotations toward people with physical disabilities.
Fans took to social media to express their reactions. “Did you hear Tom Brady call Josh Allen a ‘sp*z’ in the first half of today’s Bill’s game? Highly offensive to people who have physical disabilities as well as their loved ones,” one user posted on X. Another echoed, “Someone’s gotta tell him he can’t say that on TV.”
This isn’t the first time a public figure has come under fire for using the term. Pop stars Beyoncé and Lizzo faced backlash for including the word in their songs “Heated” and “Grrrls,” prompting both artists to re-release the tracks with updated lyrics.
Cmon people get a life we are so sensitive. Who made the descion that that word os derogatory? Hope we never get invaded because the way we are we will get crushed. I bet in a time like that people are going to careless about words
I totally agree. This overly sensitivity of people is getting ridiculous!
Get over your, everything offends me attitude, so he used a grade school term, big deal get a life, we were all called that ( and worst )in the third grade, we didn’t go crying to the teacher
It seems that only those on the left are offended then the bias left leaning media takes off with it to ignite the flames
Get over yourself, wih your left right BS
Did I strike a nerve
Yes for his remarks were nothing yours are insulting
Are you saying I was offended?? If so you are wrong, not sure where you get I was offended from