Questions about Tom Brady’s influence with the Las Vegas Raiders resurfaced last month when he was shown sitting in the coaches’ box during a game. Allegedly, the Raiders were not exactly pleased about that camera shot.
Brady was shown during a Week 2 “Monday Night Football” telecast sitting with Raiders coaches during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. At the same time, ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported on the broadcast that Brady, a part owner of the franchise, consults with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly multiple times per week.
ESPN’s Joe Buck was not calling that game, but was undoubtedly made aware of the reaction. In an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Buck said the Raiders had made it very clear they did not appreciate ESPN showing Brady in the coaches’ box.
“I know (the Raiders) weren’t happy that got out, but he’s in a booth with a headset on,” Buck said. “We’re all smart enough to know that there’s cameras everywhere, and they’re going to find you. Cameras found him, and that became a big thing, and then just like everything else in the world, it goes away five seconds later.”
The Brady discussion prompted new questions about a potential conflict of interest in his role as a FOX broadcaster. The NFL maintained that there is no issue, and Buck himself said on the podcast that he feels the issue is overblown.
Buck is right either way. Brady could not have expected to sit in the coaches’ box with a headset on and not get noticed. It’s easy to understand why the Raiders were not thrilled about the discussion that came from it, but they had to know it was a risk.
