Brady faces backlash over dog-kicking remark on Fox broadcast

Tom Brady drew widespread criticism after a remark during Fox Sports coverage of the Dallas Cowboys-Chicago Bears game on Sunday that many listeners said appeared to endorse kicking a dog as a way to vent frustration. While analyzing wide receiver George Pickens slamming his helmet at Soldier Field on September 21, Brady said, "Players buckets are like the dog at home. Kick the dog, throw the helmet, whatever it takes," a comment that quickly drew outrage on social media and prompted a response from animal rights group PETA.

The remark aired live as Pickens ripped off and slammed his helmet following a costly drop in the fourth quarter of the Bears victory. Brady's broadcast partner, Kevin Burkhardt, did not address the comment further during the game, though some viewers said Burkhardt appeared taken aback. Brady did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

PETA issued a statement on Monday saying it was "as confused as everyone else" and urging Brady to recognize that "the language we use can encourage kindness or violence towards animals," adding that the public should not normalize taking frustration out on a companion animal. The organization also offered suggested...