Tom Brady's new broadcasting career could be in jeopardy following complaints from NFL franchise owners about his interview with Patrick Mahomes. The New England Patriots icon kicked off his broadcasting career at the start of the season, signing a whopping 10-year $375million contract as an announcer for FOX Sports.
However, Brady's transition hasn't been smooth sailing, with concerns now being raised about his ability to fulfil his role. After receiving mixed reviews for his early on-air performances, the 47 year old's job has become even more challenging after the NFL imposed a series of restrictions that significantly impacted his FOX duties, following his approval as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brady is now facing criticism from franchise owners who have reportedly voiced concerns over potential conflicts of interest between his two roles, following his recent interview with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback. The seven-time Super Bowl winner conducted an in-depth interview with Mahomes ahead of the Chiefs' Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers, which they won 28-18 last month.
This interview has sparked concerns among team owners and may result in further restrictions on his broadcasting duties.
Brady's conversation with Mahomes was a personal one, not touching on any competitive or strategic details. However, according to the Sports Business Journal, some insiders believe it created a situation where Brady could have received sensitive information about the Chiefs.
Some owners were reportedly set to be asked if they had any problems with Brady continuing in his FOX position to conduct similar interviews at a finance committee meeting on Tuesday. It's added they were pressed on whether additional conditions need to be formulated to ensure Brady's role does not give an advantage to the Raiders.
The outlet adds that a source told them new restrictions could be implemented. It's said those may include limiting Brady's interaction with players to live or recorded interviews for broadcast only in an attempt to ensure the content of their conversations is known publicly and would prohibit private one-on-one interactions before or after the section that is to be broadcast.
Other restrictions could also require those types of interviews to only happen outside of team facilities and possibly even away from team hotels. As well, there may be a requirement of prior approval and monitoring by the league and the player's team to ensure the contents of the interview and interactions remain within the set rules.
Brady initially agreed to become a minority investor in the Raiders in May last year but his 10 percent stake was stalled after concerns from other NFL owners regarding the quoted price and his new role as an analyst for FOX Sports. Since his stake was confirmed, Brady is not permitted to attend in-person or online broadcast production meetings and may not have access to team facilities, players or coaches.