NFL analyst pressures Roger Goodell to pull back curtain on ambiguous “guidelines” for Tom Brady’s role at FOX
Tom Brady is attempting to balance owning a chunk of the Las Vegas Raiders while covering the NFL up close and personal with FOX. As such, a conflict of interest will present itself if the deal goes through to make Brady a part owner of the team. At least, that is the fear presented by many fans and analysts across the sport.
In an effort to combat that, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said guidelines for the former quarterback have been established. However, that wasn't good enough for NFL analyst Mike Florio. Speaking on Tuesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," Florio called on the commissioner to be more transparent on the guidelines for former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Mike Florio: "[00:02:51] Remember back in May, the commissioner said something about they've come up with guidelines or parameters or whatever for Brady's work with Fox ... At some point, we got to know what the guidelines are, because at some point we got to be able to look at the guidelines and say they are or aren't good enough.
"It's not good enough to just say, 'Trust us, there's guidelines.' What are the guidelines? How far do they go?" [00:03:44][53.0] PFT
Of course, the unsaid reason why one would want to know the guidelines is to have a reason to continue to buy into the sports' asserted integrity. If it is unknown what the rules are for the teams and commentators, the integrity of the sport takes a hit.
Tom Brady set to miss 2024 preseason FOX broadcasts
Several networks, including FOX, ESPN and NBC, broadcast preseason games with their top commentators as a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
If Brady were to fit into this mold, he would be on track to commentate for at least one game in August. However, one sports reporter believes the quarterback will miss the preseason. Writing in The Sun, Anthony Wood spoke about Tom Brady's ability to make appearances with his soccer team and how that coincides with his schedule with FOX.
"[Birmingham's] season opener will see them take on Reading at home on August 10, which falls during the NFL's preseason when Brady won't yet be on the clock with Fox Sports."
As such, it appears Tom Brady is on track to miss the preseason. However, his debut will happen soon after in the Week 1 game between the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8, per the New York Times.