INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots speaks to the media after losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Worst tragedy: Tom Brady facing crazy rigid restrictions with FOX due to Raiders ownership bid…
Tom Brady’s first season as an NFL game analyst for FOX is about to start, but there are already good reasons to doubt his ability to perform the job well.
More than a year ago, Brady signed a contract to become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Since then, the agreement has been reevaluated, and NFL owners are worried about the level of access Brady would have to clubs if he worked for FOX in addition to being a member of the Raiders ownership group.
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham reports that the NFL gave a presentation to team owners at the league meetings in Minneapolis on Tuesday outlining the restrictions that would be in place for Brady if the seven-time Super Bowl champion were to become a minority owner of the Raiders while working for FOX. On Thursday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said those restrictions are already in place since Brady’s ownership bid is under active review.
As things currently stand, Brady is not permitted to watch team practices in person or virtually. He also cannot attend broadcast production meetings, during which members of the media meet with coaches and players to gather crucial information and insight about upcoming games.
Perhaps the most noteworthy restriction is that Brady will not be allowed to publicly criticize game officials or other teams. As Wickersham notes, Brady could still state that he disagrees with a call or speak negatively about a player, but he would be subject to fines from the NFL.
Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX prior to retiring from playing in the NFL in 2022. While Brady’s star power is undeniable, FOX executives cannot be thrilled about paying an analyst nearly $40 million a year with so many restrictions in place.
