Tom Brady’s potential part ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders could present some complications in his role as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.
As a result of that, the NFL have introduced a set of rules that the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback will be forced to abide by – if his partial ownership of the Raiders goes through.
In a presentation given 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 permitted in another team’s facility, he would not be allowed to witness practice, and wouldn’t be able to participate or attend in broadcast production meetings in any form.
Some of these restrictions would make it hard for Brady to properly do his job – with the lack of access to coaches and players prior to games being the most severe restriction.
The NFL is set to institute new rules if Tom Brady becomes a part-owner of the Raiders
These restrictions would apply to Brady’s role as a color commentator for Fox Sports
Prior to games, a broadcast crew typically meets with head coaches and players from specific matchups and provide serious insight that is used on a telecast.
These rules, which were presented on a slide titled ‘Brady — Broadcast Restrictions’ seem to only affect the seven-time Super Bowl winner. They would not apply to other members of his or any other Fox Sports crew.
In addition to these rules, Brady would be subject to other league policies that other owners abide by.
This includes Brady being prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials or other clubs. On a broadcast, Brady could theoretically say that he disagrees with a call. However, he could be subject to a fine or a suspension if he went too far.
In addition, he would be subject of the league’s anti-tampering policies and would only be permitted 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 a precedent for these rules.
Back in 2017, Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen called some games for Fox, including a game against the Minnesota Vikings while he was still a player on their roster.
Olsen wasn’t given typical broadcast crew access because the Vikings were an upcoming opponent on the Panthers’ schedule.
Brady’s potential ten percent ownership stake in the Raiders has been held in limbo
These extraordinary rules for this unusual circumstance might complicate Brady’s offer to become a limited partner of the Raiders.
A deal for Brady to be a ten-percent part-owner of the team has not been finalized. It’s been over a year since reports emerged that the former quarterback had agreed to buy a stake in the Raiders.
Brady’s bid for the team has currently been stuck under the review of the league’s finance committee.
If the committee approves Brady’s ownership stake, it then must be approved by at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners.
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