Tom Brady is speaking out in defense of Antonio Brown, who made an unceremonious exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Sunday (Jan. 2) and is no longer part of the team.

Brown, who was the team’s wide receiver, ripped off the top half of his uniform during the game and ran onto the field in the middle of the Buccaneers’ game against the New York Jets in New Jersey. The crowd was shocked. It’s just not something you usually see during a NFL game. He then gave the “peace out” sign to the spectators and left the game via the arena’s tunnel.

Of course, in the post-game press conference, reporters wanted to know all about the incident. Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said that Brown is “no longer” with the team but didn’t give many additional details.

Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is friends with Brown. He told reporters during the press conference, “It’s a difficult situation.”

“Everybody should hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it,” Brady said. “We all love him. We care about him deeply. You know, we want to see him be at his best. Unfortunately, it won’t be with our team.”

Brady added, “I think that the most important thing about football are the relationships with your friends and your teammates, and they go beyond the field.”

He continued, “I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening.”

Watch Brady’s response via the tweet below.

Tom Brady on Antonio Brown:

"I think everybody should do what they can to help in ways that he really needs it. We all love him, we care about him deeply. We want to see him be at his best, and unfortunately, it won't be with our team." pic.twitter.com/JssvEJCheE

— SNY (@SNYtv) January 2, 2022