TAMPA, Fla. — After two subpar performances, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady wanted to spend part of his bye week playing golf with his coach, Bruce Arians. However, the NFL nixed the idea, citing COVID-19 restrictions.
The relationship between the quarterback and his coach had been a matter of speculation after the Bucs (7-5) lost two straight games, but team general manager Jason Licht told ESPN both men had no issues.
“They really get along great,” Licht told the sports network. “There’s a deep respect there for each other.”
A very 2020 situation: #Bucs QB Tom Brady and coach Bruce Arians planned a golf and bonding outing during bye week... until the NFL stepped in because of COVID-19 protocols. My story: https://t.co/1xucLYc5aw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2020
Brady has thrown for 3,300 yards and 28 touchdowns this season but has thrown 11 interceptions in 12 games. Brady’s career high for interceptions is 14, but he has not thrown more than 11 picks since 2011.
Golf at Tampa’s Old Memorial Golf Club seemed like a perfect way for the quarterback and coach to decompress, but the NFL was not having it.
Gathering outside the facility is not allowed in the COVID-19 protocols, NFL.com reported.
The protocols have generally worked. While cases were spiking nationwide on Friday, there were no reports of an NFL player or coach who had tested positive for the coronavirus, ESPN reported.
The Bucs return to action Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
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