Tom Brady’s Dual Role Raises Concerns Over NCAA and NFL Tampering Rules

Tom Brady, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a broadcaster at Fox, has taken on a new role as a closer for his alma mater, the University of Michigan. Brady’s involvement reportedly played a part in securing the commitment of top high school quarterback Bryce Underwood. According to CBS Sports‘ Matt Zenitz, a FaceTime conversation between Brady and Underwood initiated a relationship that developed over multiple discussions.

This new involvement comes with complexities due to NFL tampering rules. The league’s tampering policy states that no NFL entity, including individuals affiliated with a club, may tamper with ineligible college players or influence underclassmen to declare for the draft prematurely. This means Brady must avoid any actions that could be interpreted as persuading Underwood to enter the NFL early, particularly if the Raiders are in a position to draft him.

Brady’s role in the relationship could legally allow him to encourage Underwood to remain at Michigan, given that doing so wouldn’t directly benefit the Raiders if Underwood were drafted by a team they frequently compete against. However, the blurred lines could prompt the NFL to establish clearer guidelines to prevent potential conflicts of interest, especially given Brady’s high-profile stature and connections.

Simultaneously, Yankee software magnate Larry Ellison has reportedly had a financial influence on Michigan’s recruitment efforts through the NIL collective, Champions Circle. A statement from the collective mentioned Ellison and his wife Jolin as crucial players in the recruitment process. The recruitment of Underwood to Michigan came amid offers reportedly reaching as high as $12 million over four years, indicating the significant monetary stakes involved in college football’s current climate.

Larry Ellison’s growing engagement with Michigan’s athletics is particularly notable. Known as the founder of Oracle and a leading figure in various major enterprises, Ellison has previously had limited involvement in college sports. This change in focus aligns with the broader trend of increasing financial and executive influences on college athletics.

The situation with both Brady and Ellison highlights possible shifts in the dynamics between college and professional sports, where influential figures from business and athletics intersect. These developments underscore the need for evolving regulatory frameworks to address potential conflicts and ensure fair play in both domains.