Tom Brady is mounting a defense.
The Fox Sports commentator spoke out after being accused of breaking the rules by stepping into the coaching booth for the Las Vegas Raiders—which he is a minority owner of—during the team’s Sept. 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“I love football. At its core it is a game of principles,” Tom wrote on his blog Sept. 24. “And with all the success it has given me, I feel I have a moral and ethical duty to the sport; which is why the point where my roles in it intersect is not actually a point of conflict, despite what the paranoid and distrustful might believe.”
“Rather,” he explained, “it’s the place from which my ethical duty emerges: to grow, evolve, and improve the game that has given me everything.”
The 48-year-old went on to say that he has “always been very open to helping” any football players that have questions about improving their performances.
“I want them to have a chance to experience the kind of success I had,” the former New England Patriots quarterback wrote. “I want that for all the guys we bring into the Raiders organization and I want it for all the guys playing their guts out in each game I broadcast.”
He continued to maintain that the multiple roles that he has in and around the NFL don’t represent any sort of conflict of interest, but did acknowledge he can understand why it’s a natural assumption for some to make.
Ultimately, the former football player said that “the solution” to this problem is “doing your job with integrity” and “finding fulfillment in doing the best you can.”
As for whether or not the NFL itself considered Tom’s appearance in the Raiders’ coaching box while wearing a headset to be a violation of its rules, the league cleared the former pro of any wrongdoing.
Ultimately, the former football player said that “the solution” to this problem is “doing your job with integrity” and “finding fulfillment in doing the best you can.”
As for whether or not the NFL itself considered Tom’s appearance in the Raiders’ coaching box while wearing a headset to be a violation of its rules, the league cleared the former pro of any wrongdoing.
“There are no policies that prohibit an owner from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to ESPN Sept. 16. “Brady was sitting in the booth in his capacity as a limited partner.”
He went on, “All personnel sitting in the booth must abide by policies that prohibit the use of electronic devices other than league-issued equipment such as a Microsoft Surface Tablet for the Sideline Viewing System.”
That being said, the league noted Tom cannot attend production meetings or practices at the team’s facility.
“He may attend production meetings remotely but may not attend in person at the team facility or hotel,” the spokesperson’s statement continued. “He may also conduct an interview off site with a player like he did last year a couple times, including for the Super Bowl.”
Keep reading for more on Tom’s life after retiring from the NFL…
Happy Birthday, Jack
Gisele Bündchen shared this family photo on Instagram on Tom Brady‘s son Jack‘s 14th birthday, writing, “Happy birthday Jack! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you for being the best big brother in the world. We love you soooo much!”
Celebrate Good Times
While wearing his Christopher Cloos x Brady sunglasses, Tom celebrates his Super Bowl win with daughter Vivian during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boat parade.
V for Victory
After winning his seventh Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay quarterback celebrated with his daughter Vivian.
Family Man
Tom snuggled with his kids John “Jack” Moynahan (with ex Bridget Moynahan), Vivian and Benjamin in this adorable photo snapped by Gisele on Father’s Day.
Quarterback In Training
Brady went from quarterback to coach with his son on the beach, writing on Instagram that he’s “#dadsfavoriteworkoutpartner.”
XOXO
Gisele shared this adorable photo on Instagram of Tom giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
The Whole Team
The whole Brady-bünch posed together at the Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta ahead of the Super Bowl LIII, which the Patriots later won.
Clowning Around
Tom lurked as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in a window behind his family as they celebrate Halloween in 2018.
Daddy’s Little Girl
As Tom geared up for another football season, he stopped to give his daughter a little love and clearly this one has her dad’s full attention.
Horsing Around
In July 2018, the Brady bunch headed out of town for a family vacation and they couldn’t look any happier on their horseback riding adventure.
Goofballs
Tom celebrated Father’s Day with a family dinner and lots of silly photos with his younger son, Ben.
Group Hug
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing the greatest quarterback of all time (he has seven Super Bowl rings) get smothered in love by his three kids.
Chill Dad
Even though it was springtime, Tom bundled up with Ben for a fun day outside…complete with a little training.
Some Bunny Loves You
Tom Brady as the Easter bunny? Who would’ve guessed?!
Familia
The super sweet family was all smiles during one of Brady’s episodes of Tom vs. Time.
Chow Time
After playing in another Super Bowl, Tom took a little break with his family, complete with burger time and selfies.
Win Or Lose
Even though the Patriots lost the 2018 Super Bowl, Tom had his support squad ready and waiting to cheer him up.
Go Pats!
Ahead of Super Bowl LII, the Patriots QB posed for pictures with his whole family including Gisele and oldest son Jack, second-born Ben, and daughter Vivian.
Birthday Boy
The New England Patriots quarterback showed his second oldest son a little love on his birthday in December of 2017, writing, “Happy Birthday to the sweetest 8 year old boy a mom and dad could ever ask for! So filled with love and joy! We are so proud of you Benny! And you shine a light that brightens our lives every day! We love you.”
Baking Buddy
Vivian was the ultimate sous chef as her dad made her biscuits before Thanksgiving and really, what can’t Brady do?
Hammock Life
The dynamic duo of Tom and Ben spent a November day swinging in a hammock together and we really wish we had some R&R like this in our near future.
Wax On, Wax Off
Leave it to Tom to teach his son more than just football.
Summer Fun
The Brady crew rolled around in the grass and enjoyed spending time together in June 2017 and it really does look like they are having a blast.
Silly Bradys
Who says you’re too old to make funny faces?
Parade Pops
When the Patriots headed back to Boston for their parade celebration after their 2017 Super Bowl win, Tom brought Ben along for the ride making him the coolest dad around.
Brady’s Littlest Fan
Winning the Super Bowl in 2017 was great, but getting to celebrate with your daughter on the field is priceless.
Good Luck Kisses
In 2017, Vivian gave her dad a big good luck kiss before he headed out for a game. Seriously, these two are so stinking cute.
Fan Club
Tom’s fans span near and far, but his biggest fans are his three kids and their “Brady” jerseys continually make us love them even more as a unit.
Tree Fairy
Decorating the Christmas tree is twice as fun when you have your precious daughter helping you out…especially when she’s dressed as a fairy!
Vacation Mode
The football player loves to spend his off time with his adorable kiddos at the beach and we totally approve.
