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In response to our report (and the report of others) that Tom Brady was willing to become a minority owner of the Dolphins until Brian Flores’ lawsuit nullified that possibility, it was suggested that at least 24 owners would have done so in favor of the sale part of the dolphins to Brady.
Of course, league approval would have been required. That’s always the case in situations like this. And as a league source with intimate knowledge of the dynamics of the PFT process tells PFT, there is “no doubt” Brady would have been admitted.
First it’s Tom Freaking Brady. The greatest player in league history. He’ll buy a piece of dolphin and nine or more owners will tell him no? Sure Jan
Second, and as the source explained, these franchise splinter sales to minority owners below a certain level are sanctioned by the NFL’s Finance Committee and, in turn, easily passed on by the owners.
Concerns were raised that the financial gains from an equity investment would be viewed as circumventing the salary cap. Nonsense. It’s apples and oranges. As long as the player (and in Brady’s case he was retired until he wasn’t) is paying fair value for the percentage of the team he would have bought, there is no cap issue if/when the equity appreciates in value.
That means we get it. Some reporters missed the boat when reporting Brady’s connection with the Dolphins. Instead of ignoring it completely (as there are many), others look for ways to put it down.
Here’s what we’re telling you: keep trying. Brady was actually willing to buy a piece of the Dolphins after retiring from the Buccaneers and the transaction would have been approved.