LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Ben Johnson, coach of the Chicago Bears, shows no concern about sharing information with Tom Brady and the Fox broadcast team during production meetings prior to Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.Brady’s dual role as an analyst for Fox’s “America’s Game of the Week” and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest.Brady will be present at Soldier Field on Sunday, a week before the Raiders host the Bears at Allegiant Stadium in Week 4.Johnson downplayed concerns about a competitive disadvantage for the Bears that could arise from his conversations with Brady before the game.
I don’t really care. We change from week to week in terms of what we do. Schematically, he’ll be able to watch the tape and see what everyone else in the world is seeing at the moment.
Ben JohnsonJohnson went on to explain that there are no trade secrets that will be exchanged and that he does not consider it to be a major problem.Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer joined Johnson’s comments on Wednesday, sarcastically adding that “he won’t even talk to Tom”.Dallas will face Las Vegas on November 17, where Schottenheimer will reunite with Raiders coach Pete Carroll.Schottenheimer stated that he has no problem with Brady’s situation and that he is willing to talk about football with anyone.Brady was seen in the coaches’ booth wearing a headset during the first quarter of the Raiders’ 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.The NFL announced on Tuesday that Brady is prohibited from attending team facilities for practices or production meetings, but is allowed to sit in the coaches’ booth.A spokesperson for the NFL explained that there are no policies prohibiting an owner from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game, as long as the policies prohibiting the use of electronic devices other than the equipment issued by the league are followed.Johnson has participated in production meetings during the preseason and with ESPN and Fox teams in the last two weeks. The Bears coach in his first year indicated that he is used to not providing insider information and will continue with that approach.Everyone has everyone’s playbooks. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who’s been somewhere.
Brian SchottenheimerI’ve been careful with everything I’ve said since the season began. I’ve been in pure coach mode since this season began. So for me, it’s just like always. I’m fine. I like Tom and we have a very good relationship.
Ben Johnson
