Tom Brady is under fire over one tough decision about his NFL future

Tom Brady had nothing but success during his playing days in the NFL. 

He has come to a crossroads in his life. 

And Tom Brady is under fire over one tough decision about his NFL future. 

Tom Brady’s conflict of interest as an owner and broadcaster receives scrutiny 

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady was no stranger to controversy during his playing days. 

He surprised many by signing a 10-year, $375 million contract to become the top analyst for Fox’s coverage of NFL games. 

Brady’s role as a broadcaster is drawing criticism after he purchased a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders and became a minority owner last year. 

He was in the broadcast booth for the NFC divisional round playoff game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders. 

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both considered potential hires for the Raiders head coaching job. 

Johnson accepted the Chicago Bears head coaching position after the Lions defeat. 

But one NFL agent told the Washington Post he was a top contender for the Raiders jobs. 

That put Brady in the awkward situation of calling a game that featured potential coaches that the team he is an owner of wanted to hire. 

Johnson had a virtual interview with the Raiders before the Commanders game. 

He refused to say if he had spoken with Brady during his interview with the Raiders. 

“Above my pay grade,” Johnson stated. 

The NFL put restrictions on Brady during broadcasting after owners complained he had a conflict of interest. 

He cannot speak with other teams during production meetings or visit their practice facilities. 

The NFL could fine him for tampering with players or coaches under contract.

Raiders owner Mark Davis envisioned Brady having a role in the team’s operations when the minority ownership deal was approved by the NFL. 

“Although Tom can’t play,” Davis said at the time. “I think he can help us select a quarterback in the future and potentially train him as well. So it’s a huge benefit for the organization.”

Dan Patrick wonders why the NFL is bending over backwards for Brady

Former ESPN personality Dan Patrick accused the NFL of bending over backward to accommodate Brady on his radio show ahead of the Lions Commanders game.

“What happens if they show Ben Johnson on the sideline?” Patrick asked. “Is Tom Brady, minority owner of the Raiders, allowed to talk about Ben Johnson? Does he have any inside info? Which I would believe he would. I like how the NFL makes it seem like, ‘This isn’t a conflict of interest.’”

Patrick speculated there would be more outrage if another owner were in the broadcast booth. 

“Imagine if [Dallas Cowboys owner] Jerry Jones was going to be the analyst for a game. And he’s looking for a head coach. Is there a conflict of interest there?” Patrick added. “But the NFL is bending over backwards to help Tom Brady, it feels like. Or looking the other way. ‘Conflict of interest? It is what it is.’”

Tom Brady could be forced to choose between being an owner or a broadcaster, now that concerns over his conflict of interest have been raised.