It’s summertime and lots of dads are getting out in the sun and hanging with their kids. Like famous dad Tom Brady in the video above, in which he jumps from a cliff into an (apparently) natural pool, his 6-year-old daughter Vivian by his side.
That famous part of being a dad has backfired on Brady after he posted the video on his Instagram profile, leaving him subject to what one writer termed “dad-shaming.”
See the following tweet.
If this wasn’t Tom Brady, folks will say this child abuse
— Collin Ransom (@ransom95) July 20, 2019
“If this wasn’t Tom Brady, folks will say this child abuse” is just one example of the kind of backlash Brady has experienced since the video went live a few days ago.
And that’s mild. Here are a few more responses from people who seem convinced they know what’s best for the veteran New England Patriots QB.
https://twitter.com/newBsearl/status/1152330821761675264
Tom Brady acted irresponsible and immature when he had his 6 yr old daughter jump off a cliff into the water with him in Costa Rica. He endangered the welfare of a minor and child protective custody should investigate this immediately.
— Michael (@michael_mr5706) July 21, 2019
Anything for a selfie …
This irresponsible act follows Brady’s dimwitted wife posting pics of their children riding horses without helmets.
Tom Brady DRAGS daughter off dangerous cliff after she hesitates before jump#DumbJock https://t.co/o8oh4PsTuH
— DT Cahill (@DTCahill) July 20, 2019
There are plenty more of those, and even one of Brady’s most famous pals expressed a little anxiety.
In the comments on Brady’s Instagram post, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote, “You KNOW I have complete faith in you as a man, friend, player and father — but this just gave me anxiety. Geeezus.”
But as the controversy unfolded, Brady acquired plenty of defenders as well:
Omg she was fine. Have y’all not seen how much he loves his daughter? I’m positive my dad has done something like this, she had fun. Leave Tom Brady alone. https://t.co/uVMwbFaaus
— kylie. (@kylie_adams_) July 22, 2019
No he isnt. Not to anyone who is normal. Cool dad daughter moment. Way to go @TomBrady making memories. https://t.co/b9OztbsgcN
— Theo Von (@TheoVon) July 22, 2019
What a joke people criticizing Tom Brady for the way he cliff jumped with his daughter. Let the guy live
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) July 22, 2019
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are, in addition to being famous and enormously wealthy, very active people, given their careers are based on fitness and looks, respectively. It seems a given their children are active as well, and the fact is Vivian seemed scared, but willing.
And if there’d been any damage from the jump, we would’ve heard about it by now.
Brady has yet to comment on the controversy and likely won’t. But maybe people should calm down and ask themselves if one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history got there by having bad judgment. (The answer is no.)
Chances are Tom Brady understood the risks, but he also understood his daughter’s abilities. And even the kids of rich and famous people won’t live their best lives if they stay inside a protective bubble all the time.