Tom Brady’s potential partial ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders could present some complications in his role as a Fox Sports broadcaster.
As a result, the NFL has introduced a set of rules that the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback will be required to abide by if his partial ownership of the Raiders goes ahead.
In a presentation to team owners at Tuesday’s NFL meetings in Minneapolis, the league confirmed to ESPN that Brady will face a number of restrictions.
This includes Brady not being allowed on another team’s premises, not being allowed to watch practices and not being allowed to participate in or attend broadcast production meetings of any kind.
Some of these restrictions would make it difficult for Brady to do his job properly, with the lack of access to coaches and players before games being the most severe restriction.
NFL willing to institute new rules if Tom Brady becomes co-owner of the Raiders
These restrictions would apply to Brady’s role as a color commentator for Fox Sports.
Before games, a broadcast team typically meets with head coaches and players of specific matchups and provides them with serious information that is used in a broadcast.
These rules, which were presented on a slide titled “Brady – Broadcast Restrictions,” appear to affect only the seven-time Super Bowl winner. They would not apply to other members of his team or anyone else at Fox Sports.
In addition to these rules, Brady would be subject to other league policies that other owners abide by.
This includes a ban on Brady publicly criticising match officials or other clubs. On a broadcast, Brady could theoretically say he disagrees with a decision. However, he could be subject to a fine or suspension if he overstepped the mark.
He would also be subject to the league’s anti-tampering policies and would only be allowed to have “strictly social communication with members of other clubs.” Brady would also be subject to the NFL’s gambling policy.
As league spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN, there is precedent for these rules.
In 2017, Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen coached a few games for Fox, including a game against the Minnesota Vikings while he was still a player on their roster.
Olsen was not given the usual access to the broadcast crew because the Vikings were an upcoming opponent on the Panthers’ schedule.
Brady’s potential 10 percent stake in the Raiders has been left in limbo
These extraordinary rules for this unusual circumstance could complicate Brady’s bid to become a limited partner with the Raiders.
A deal for Brady to be a part-owner of 10 percent of the team has not been finalized. It has been more than a year since reports surfaced that the former quarterback had agreed to buy a stake in the Raiders.
Brady’s offer for the team is currently stalled under review by the league’s finance committee.
If the committee approves Brady’s participation, then it must be approved by at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners.
