Tom Brady has once again found himself firmly at the center of controversy since being accepted as minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in October.
The latest incident came during Monday’s game between the Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, when Brady was spotted by the ESPN broadcast in the home team’s coaches’ box. While conversing with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the broadcast crew said that he and Brady talk multiple times throughout the week to discuss the game plan. That was enough for many fans and analysts to come to the conclusion that Brady’s status as a broadcaster for Fox was in direct conflict of interest with his role with the Raiders.
A former NFL player is the latest to add his name to the ever-growing list of detractors.
This latest incident only gives Brady more scrutiny going forward.
On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s “Get Up” morning show, analyst Marcus Spears sounded off on Brady’s involvement during the game.
“I hate it,” Spears said. “It’s abhorrent for me, for his job. I love it for his team. You’re a 5% owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Sit wherever the hell you wanna sit at the game. If you wanna be on the sideline with a headset on, go be on the sideline with a headset on. This should not happen with him being a commentator of NFL football games. It actually questions the integrity of the NFL.”
This will certainly lead to questions moving forward about whether Brady gives the Raiders a competitive advantage.
On Sunday, Brady called the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and concerns rose about if he could give the Raiders some additional intel on a divisional rival. Next Sunday, Brady is slated to call the game between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders face the Bears the following week, while they face the Cowboys later on this season.
Now, Brady and the NFL will have to see if this setup with Fox is sustainable, then take the next steps depending on what the answer to that question is.
