It is quaint and outdated to raise the alarm about conflicts of interest in sports broadcasting. Leagues and networks are multibillion-dollar business partners, rendering the idea of editorial independence laughable.
But Tom Brady’s reported deal with Fox Sports takes the issue to new heights. Fox will now be covering its future lead NFL analyst, who’s also the most high-profile and expensive hire in sports TV history. Brady will earn $375 million over 10 years to call games and serve as a brand ambassador, reports the New York Post, another Rupert Murdoch-owned outlet.
Brady’s reported annual salary of $37.5 million is $12.5 million higher than any base salary he’s ever received as a player.
With the Buccaneers once again slated as Super Bowl contenders, it’s inevitable Brady will be involved in many highly anticipated games next season. When he plays poorly, it’s fair to question how the Fox crew will react. Will they talk about Brady’s struggles objectively, or temper their criticism?
It is an awkward situation all around. While Fox’ game broadcasts seldom veer into uncomfortable territory — like all network coverage — FS1’s lineup is filled with shows featuring hosts who denigrate and pile on. While Brady likely isn’t concerned with Nick Wright’s or Skip Bayless’ daily musings, there are probably people around him who listen. Both of Brady’s docuseries, “Tom vs. Time” and “Man in the Arena,” feature old clips of pundits ripping Brady.
During one episode of “Man in the Arena,” which is appropriately titled “Nobody’s Business,” Brady makes it clear he doesn’t have much respect for bloviating talking heads.
“It was just drama. It was just soap opera stuff,” Brady said about his final years in New England. “Even though we were being very successful, even though I was playing great, it didn’t matter. I was still dealing with the constant negativity. The media were gonna cause division, make people take sides. I think the noise was just getting louder. Even though you block it out, they want to make it louder to make sure you hear it.”
That doesn’t sound like somebody who finds Bayless’ act very amusing.
There’s also the issue of whether opposing coaches will be uneasy sharing intel with Fox broadcasters. There was widespread belief around the league that the Patriots dug into the visiting teams’ trash cans and gave them warm Gatorade. Paranoid NFL coaches may suspect the Fox crews of sharing valuable information with Brady.
After all, it’s in Fox’ best interest for Brady to do well. He’s only worth $37.5 million annually if he remains the greatest of all-time.
Brady joining Fox was a bombshell announcement. It will take months to discern all of the ripple effects.
