The NFL has been accused of ‘bending over backwards to help’ Tom Brady as the the Raiders minority owner prepares to commentate on the Lions-Commanders game.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner is in the first season of a 10-year, $375million contract as the network’s lead NFL analyst.
But Brady also has a minority stake in the Raiders, with owner Mark Davis recently confirming he will have a ‘huge voice’ in the franchise’s future.
Ben Johnson is said to be Brady’s choice to become Las Vegas’ new head coach but he currently works as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Detroit’s Divisional Round game against the Commanders in being broadcast on Fox Sports, with Brady set to be in the booth at Ford Field.
That has prompted questions over whether the 47-year-old should be allowed to juggle both roles, including from radio host Dan Patrick.
The NFL has been accused of ‘bending over backwards to help’ ex-quarterback Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl winner is in the first season of a 10-year, $375million Fox contract
Dan Patrick (R) has questioned Brady’s role, given his reported interest in Ben Johnson (L)
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‘The NFL is bending over backwards to help Tom Brady, it feels like… I don’t think the NFL wants him to get out of the broadcasting booth, I think they want him there,’ he said.
‘He’s got the Lions game with the Commanders. What happens if they show Ben Johnson on the sideline?’
‘Is Tom Brady, minority owner of the Raiders, allowed to talk about Ben Johnson? Does he have any inside info? Which I believe he would.
‘I love how the NFL makes it seem like this isn’t a conflict of interest… how many times do you listen to a game where you’re going to be reading into, maybe an ulterior motive?’
Brady is personally involved in recruiting a replacement for Antonio Pierce after the head coach was fired on the back of a difficult season.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner is ‘enamored’ by Johnson, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Brady has also spent time with the offensive coordinator’s agent, Rapoport said.
