The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Tom Brady finds himself at the center of a unique conundrum. As per the latest reports, the NFL has delayed the approval of his minority ownership deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Recently, Brady made an appearance in a commercial for BetMGM worth $50 million during the Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. This delay in approval has given rise to a temporary window during which Brady can engage in activities that would be restricted once the deal with the Raiders is confirmed.
In the meanwhile, this decision has impacted his current role as a brand ambassador for BetMGM, the sports betting platform. As far as the NFL is concerned, players are prohibited from promoting or advertising any form of gambling. Even though the NFL remains tight-lipped about the concerns surrounding Brady’s ownership deal, Brady taking active participation in promoting BetMGM is a temporary privilege.
As communicated by the NFL, while Brady’s approval of the Raiders’ acquisition is on hold, the former quarterback will be required to sever ties with BetMGM. However, as outlined in an email to Pro Football Talk (PFT), there is a strategic play available for Brady. Adhering to the regulations, NFL owners are allowed to own up to 5 percent of sports betting companies.
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Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release 32-year-old quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after he received a two-game suspension from the NFL. The player has been suspended for allegedly breaking the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy of the NFL and hereby will be missing two weeks of action in the upcoming season. The significant setback for the quarterback also has a direct impact on Brady.
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Garoppolo’s suspension has been disappointing since Brady is in the process of finalizing the purchase of minority stakes in the Raiders. Previously, he commended Garoppolo’s resilience and performance that had brought the Raiders to the Super Bowl.
However, this admiration has been short-lived and has transformed Brady’s path ahead of becoming a stakeholder into a rough patch. It has been reported that the NFL legend will be joining hands with Tom Wagner and the Knighthead Capital to acquire a 10% stake in the Raiders franchise.
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Already having an ownership stake in Birmingham City Football Club since last year and Las Vegas Aces in WNBA, Las Vegas Raiders this will be the stepping stone for Brady in holding shares in the NFL. It is yet to be seen how efficiently Brady navigates through this challenging landscape catering to every responsibility he already owes.
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