Tom Brady (Getty Images)
Tom Brady built a legendary NFL career, but his charitable work faced uncomfortable questions in 2017. Despite Brady’s estimated $180 million fortune at the time, public tax records showed that he had not contributed to his own foundation for a decade, while another nonprofit provided substantial financial support. Brady reportedly said in 2011. Surette received approximately $154,000 in compensation in 2015, according to the return.
Art Taylor of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance said the charity should explain the payments more clearly. A report by The NonProfit Quarterly examined the funding behind the former New England Patriots quarterback’s private foundation and its ties to Best Buddies International. The central concern was not simply how much money changed hands, but who supplied it and where it went. “When I come to Best Buddies events, it’s all about Best Buddies, which is the way I want to keep it while I develop my interests. Would you support helping me pursue my things while I continue to put a lot of energy into your thing? The arrangement attracted criticism from charity watchdogs. Charity Watch president Daniel Borochoff also questioned whether Brady deserved full credit for philanthropy supported by other organisations. Its tax filing disclosed connections between the nonprofit and TB12 LLC, Brady’s for-profit fitness and nutrition business. Brady was listed as the foundation’s board president and an owner of the company. The filing also identified TB12 executive Jeffrey Surette as the foundation’s treasurer and clerk.