FILE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 25, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. NFL owners did not vote Tuesday, March 26, 2024, on Brady's bid to purchase a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
NFL approval of Tom Brady’s purchase into Raiders ‘making progress’
Orlando, Florida — Despite the NFL’s pending approval on Tom Brady’s proposed minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders, Commissioner Roger Goodell remains unconcerned.
Goodell stated from the NFL’s annual league meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes on Tuesday, “I wouldn’t characterize it as a delay. We are undergoing a thorough process… We are in communication with their representatives, and progress is being made.”
Last May, the Raiders and Brady agreed for him to join their ownership group pending approval from the league.
“We eagerly anticipate Tom joining the Raiders,” said owner Mark Davis to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez at the time. “It’s significant because he would be only the third player in NFL history to become an owner, following George Halas and Jerry Richardson.”
Approval from the league necessitates a supermajority vote of at least 24 NFL owners. The matter wasn’t voted on this week, and it’s set to be revisited in May.
Other highlights from Goodell’s press conference:
• The league is investigating potential tampering by the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons in their recruitment of running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Kirk Cousins, respectively.
• Defensive players have expressed frustration over the banning of the swivel hip-drop tackle via social media. Goodell highlighted the increased injury risk associated with this technique and emphasized the league’s commitment to player safety.
• Goodell addressed the gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stating the NFL is monitoring the situation closely.
• Goodell expressed support for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, emphasizing the importance of a modern presence in the nation’s capital.
• Regarding Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Von Miller’s alleged assault case, the NFL decided against placing him on the commissioner’s exempt list but confirmed that his case is still under review.
• The NFL is optimistic about the potential of Sao Pãulo, Brazil, as a vibrant market for the league and is planning a Week 1 game there, although the opponent for the Philadelphia Eagles in Arena Corinthians has yet to be decided.
