Laser directed at Tom Brady still being investigated by NFL

The NFL is continuing its investigation into reports and video that appear to reveal a fan pointing a laser at Tom Brady during Sunday’s AFC Championship.

Tom Brady has seen a lot over the course of his nearly two-decades-long career.

Up close, he’s seen some of the best pass-rushers in the history of the game; some of the most exotic defensive schemes meant to confuse and disorient him; and even some of the wackiest, most improbable plays imaginable (just think of those Super Bowl circus catches by David Tyree, Mario Manningham, and Jermaine Kearse).

On Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, it appears Brady saw something new: a green laser light focused into his eyes during a number of key plays.

According to Kansas City news reporter William Joy, television cameras caught the laser shining at Brady’s eyes and helmet on at least three separate occasions during the game: once right after the muffed Julian Edelman punt call was overturned when Patriots retook possession, once on a completion to Chris Hogan, and once on a deep ball to Rob Gronkowski.

Of course, if it happened on at least those three instances, there’s a good chance it may have occurred many, many more times throughout the game.

Brady, for his part, has not commented on whether or not he noticed the laser light, or was even affected by it. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t seem interested in discussing the report Tuesday during a conference call with reporters, telling them “right now we’re really focused on getting ready for the Rams, so that’s what I’m working on.”

At least one member of the Patriots has shown an interest in discussing the laser incident, though, and that’s longtime owner Robert Kraft, who just celebrated the 25th anniversary of buying the historic franchise.

“Well it doesn’t happen when you come to Foxborough,” Kraft was quick to point out to Good Morning America host Michael Strahan. He later quipped that Brady was “laser-focused” while completing three straight 3rd-and-10s during the Patriots’ final drive, but added “I think part of the security checks has to be those kinds of things don’t happen.”

Kraft is right in his assessment that no laser-related incidents have ever been documented at Gillette Stadium. Patriots fans are no doubt grateful of that fact, as opposing fanbases regularly will take any chance to point the finger at New England and accuse the franchise of cheating whenever they can.

Two seasons ago, then-Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler notably had a green laser light shown in his face while playing the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City. And five years ago, a Detroit Lions season ticket holder had his tickets stripped and was fined and sentenced to community service after flashing a laser at Buffalo Bills players during a game at Ford Field.

It’s unknown how exactly the NFL is planning to conduct its investigation, and what punishment if any might be levied against whomever is found responsible for this incident.

At least New England fans can rest assured the laser did not bother Brady enough to disrupt his rhythm with his receivers, and more importantly – it didn’t end up costing the Patriots the game and a third consecutive trip back to the Super Bowl.