Brady in Raiders box fuels debate over Fox ties

Tom Brady was seen in the Las Vegas Raiders coaching box on Monday night, wearing a headset and watching a tablet during the Raiders’ 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, reigniting debate over a potential conflict of interest stemming from his simultaneous roles as Fox Sports’ lead NFL analyst and a minority owner of the team. The on-camera image and a sideline report that Brady and Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly speak multiple times a week prompted renewed scrutiny from rivals, former coaches and fans.

Sideline reporter Peter Schrager said Brady and Kelly “talk two to three times per week” to review film and game plans. Raiders coach Pete Carroll pushed back on the stronger formulation of that account after the game, telling reporters “that’s not accurate” and stressing that “we have conversations. I talk to Tom, Chip talks to Tom. Regularly. We have a tremendous asset.” Carroll added that their exchanges are informal and not structured game-planning sessions.

Former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce offered a contrasting view, saying the arrangement is unprecedented and expressing concern that Brady’s broadcasting access could yield tidbits useful to the team. “I’m...