NFL nixed Tom Brady's golf trip with Bruce Arians during Bucs' bye week?

Tom Brady and Bruce Arians haven't necessarily been on the same page this season. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owning an underwhelming 7-5 record, the duo was hoping to change that during the team's Week 13 bye.

Brady and Arians were hoping to bond by hitting the links, but the NFL reportedly prohibited the two from participating in a multi-day golf trip, citing COVID-19 protocols, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The duo was planning to play a few rounds at Tampa's Old Memorial Golf Club. 

Under the league's new health and safety protocols, gatherings outside team facilities are prohibited. 

Brady's relationship with Arians has been under a microscope throughout the 2020 season. The head coach has often criticized his veteran quarterback's play publicly, even placing blame on Brady when the team loses, which is something Bill Belichick never did when the 43-year-old was with the New England Patriots. 

Despite Arians' criticism of Brady, the six-time Super Bowl champion hinted that he'll be back with the franchise next season. During a Thursday press conference, Brady admitted that you won't "catch him dead living in the Northeast anymore," indicating that he plans to return for the second year of his two-year, $50 million deal. 

With essentially no shot at winning the NFC South, the Buccaneers are still very much in contention for a playoff spot. However, the team is going to have to end the season on a high note with wins over the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions in order to better its position in the standings.