Tom Brady is dealing with more NFL drama ahead of NFL broadcast debut

Would it be a real NFL season if Tom Brady weren't subjected to some sort of random drama regarding his career? The latest controversy might not impact his presence on the field, but it is set to potentially hit his broadcasting career, possible team ownership, and his wallet.

Since the quarterback decided to hang up his cleats after the 2022 season, he has moved on to various new ventures, including becoming a color commentator for Fox Sports, which he is set to start this NFL season. Brady is also looking into team ownership, with news revealing he is looking to buy a stake in the Raiders.

And that is where the controversy begins.

Because it is not a situation that has been done before, Brady wanting to be a commentator and a team owner creates a lot of issues for his broadcasting career. It has created a lot of concern throughout the league, as owners met last week and were shown a presentation over the ongoing matter with the former quarterback.

Brady will now be forced to decide about his future, and there will be a lot for him to consider regarding his latest career moves, which might impact his role on the Fox Sports staff.

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ESPN's Seth Wickersham detailed the current issues Brady faces as he prepares for his debut in the booth for the NFL's 2024 season.

Because his situation is unique, owners believe it is fair to implement rules that dictate how Brady would have to navigate as an NFL broadcaster and team owner, none of which would benefit him calling games as a long-term career move.

"The league confirmed to ESPN that among the restrictions, Brady would not be permitted to be in another team's facility, would not be permitted to witness practice and would not be permitted to attend broadcast production meetings, either in person or virtually. The lack of access to coaches and players before games could be the most severe restriction; those meetings, at which a broadcast crew meets with the matchup's head coaches and key players, are often a lifeblood of insight for the telecast.

These rules, which the league presented to owners Tuesday on a slide titled "Brady -- Broadcast Restrictions," potentially would affect only the seven-time Super Bowl champion and would not apply to other members of Fox crews. A league source told ESPN that owners had raised several questions about conflicts of interest in Brady's potential role."

In addition to those unavoidable restrictions directly impacting his media career, Brady would also be subjected to the same rules that NFL owners must abide by. These include being prohibited from publicly criticizing game officials and other teams, the league's gambling policy, and the anti-tampering policies.

All of this to basically say that he won't be able to do both. Brady can't be a part owner of an NFL team and get in the booth on Sunday's to call a game. NFL owners want him to pick the one thing he wants to do and stick with it. Without that figured out, it's unlikely they would proceed with allowing him to buy a stake in the team, as 24 owners would have to approve of the move.

This throws a wrench in Brady's plans and is not a situation he wants to be in at the start of his broadcasting career. While owning a team might be something he wants to pursue, it's clear it would significantly harm his preparation for calling a game, which doesn't seem worth the hassle.

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