Even G.O.A.T.s have rules. No one is above the NFL law.
Back in May of last year, it was reported that NFL legend and first ballot Hall of Famer Tom Brady was in negotiations to become a minority partner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Fifteen months later, his bid has yet to be approved. Why you may ask: There are several reasons.
Among those reasons are that majority owner Mark Davis apparently proposed giving Brady a “steep discount over market value,” which did sit well with the 31 other owners around the league, according to Pro Football Talk. Another reason has to do with Brady’s new job as a broadcaster and lead analyst with Fox Sports.
NFL owners would not be thrilled with a partial owner of an NFL franchise being granted the kind of access other broadcasters have with NFL teams. It is a conflict of interest. That is why the league has compiled a list of broadcast restrictions for Brady if his ownership bid was to clear all hurdles and finally go through.
After reports surfaced that there could be restrictions, the NFL decided that restrictions would be imposed from the word go, due to his pending ownership deal with the Raiders, according to AP. Brady will be able to call Raiders games, but will need to follow the league constitution and bylaws prohibiting public criticism of other teams as well as officials.
Embed from Getty ImagesESPN reports that the league presented a slide titled: “Brady — Broadcast Restrictions,” to owners during league meetings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here are some of the rules:
• Not permitted to be in another team’s facility
• Cannot witness practice
• Cannot attend broadcast production meetings (in person or virtually)
Broadcasters are privy to all of this intimate access when preparing for their matchups. It brings to life and enhances the overall product of the telecast. Brady would be denied these essential benefits. Other staff at FOX will not have these limitations.
Additionally, Brady would be subject to other league policies that affect other owners:
• Subject to fines or even suspension if he goes too far in criticizing game officials or other clubs
• Subject to the league’s gambling policy
• Subject to the league’s anti-tampering policies: Permitted only “strictly social communication with members of other clubs.”
His bid has been stuck in the league’s finance committee. If it clears the committee, Brady’s ownership stake must be approved by at least 24 of 32 owners.
It is unknown when NFL owners will vote on Brady’s bid. The next opportunity will be in October.
