Tom Brady was questioned about his search for a new Las Vegas Raiders head coach in an awkward moment live on Fox, amid calls for the network to fire him due to a conflict of interest.
Brady, who just began his 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox this season, was at the center of controversy heading into the Detroit Lions' playoff game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.
With the game broadcast on Fox, many wondered how the legendary quarterback would be allowed to comment on it, given that he recently interviewed with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the vacant head coaching position in Las Vegas. .
Brady has been criticized for juggling his ownership role with broadcasting since taking a minority stake in the Raiders in October, and Saturday's divisional playoff in Detroit has put him under even more scrutiny.
Earlier this week, radio host Dan Patrick accused the NFL of “going out of its way” to help him, adding: “How many times do you listen to a game where you're going to read, maybe with an ulterior motive?”
Following outrage over his alleged conflict of interest, Fox colleague Kevin Burkhardt asked the seven-time Super Bowl winner on air about interviewing for the Raiders' vacancy.
Tom Brady Awkwardly Addressed His Conflict of Interest on Fox Live Saturday Night
“So, for those who may not know… Tom, a couple of months ago you started doing some work, buying a minority stake in the Raiders. So you know, normal stuff,” Burkhardt said.
After laughing awkwardly, Brady said of interviewing head coaches, “It's been a great learning experience.” What you realize is that the league is full of great potential, and what I believe is that the resumes, the accolades… they are all earned by what people do on the field.
'You earn your opportunities, you do your act and you let everyone speak for you. As it should be and as I did when I was a player.”
Burkhardt then added, “You're stuck with me here at Fox for the next 10 years whether you like it or not.”
“Happily,” Brady responded before joking, “I'd break some of your kneecaps, KB.” Whatever you need me to do baby.'
Brady He is reportedly playing a major role in the search for Antonio Pierce's replacement after the Raiders head coach was fired last week.
The NFL legend and his fellow Las Vegas bosses have interviewed or plan to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll , and former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, as well as Johnson.
He is said to be favoring Johnson with the retired caller “in love” with him, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Brady's role on television has been questioned amid his new position as minority owner of the Raiders.
Raiders owner Mark Davis recently revealed that Brady will have a “big voice” in the franchise's future, but former MLB executive Davis Samson said the retired NFL star can't be both. .
“Tom Brady is running that team right now; the NFL knows it and Fox knows it and something has to give.” So enjoy Tom in the booth because you won't see him there next year,” Samson told the Dan Le Batard Show.
“He'll be in the Raiders front office, he won't be returning as a Fox analyst; you can't be that involved in a team's operation and be the number one analyst.”
“What he is doing is an absolute insult to analysts. And what he is doing is an insult to the team president.
“You end up doing both in a mediocre way… and I promise you he'll pick the Raiders.”