Bernard Pollard has said that a move by Tom Brady which saw the quarterback kick Ed Reed was "bull crap".
The New England Patriots QB was sliding to avoid a tackle from the Baltimore Ravens safety when he extended his leg, making contact with Reed's thigh.
Reed's teammate told CSN New England: "You've go to keep the legs down. We all know and understand what's going on there.
"As a quarterback, when you go to slide, we're taught we can't do anything. When you come sliding, and your leg is up in the air trying to kick somebody, that's bull crap."
Brady was not penalised for the incident, which occurred during the Patriots' loss to the Ravens in the AFC Championship game.