Dana White’s “GronkCast” remarks on Saturday night were broadcast live, but that doesn’t mean Raiders owner Mark Davis wasn’t made aware of them. While Davis was watching a WNBA playoff game for the Las Vegas Aces, the UFC president was on ESPN+ saying he sought to broker a deal that would have landed both Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in silver and black; had it not been for former head coach Jon Gruden:
“I worked to put that deal together for Brady and Gronk to come to the Raiders. And it was almost a one deal. And at the last minute, Gruden blew the deal up and said that he didn’t want [Brady]. And all hell broke loose, man.
“It was crazy and Brady was already looking at houses, and it wasn’t being said yet that Gronk was coming. So Las Vegas would have have Brady and Gronk the year that the Bucs won the Super Bowl, except Gruden blew the deal up.”
Dana White says Brady and Gronk ➡️ Raiders "was almost a done deal." 😳 #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/buWEXxi5Ho
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 21, 2022
When questioned about White’s remarks, Davis’ recollection of the incident appeared blurry. “I heard about [White’s comments]. That was what — two to three years ago or something? I don’t know, man. Talk to Dana. I remember that Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay.
“That’s basically what I remember. I have no idea. Dana has the stories. I love Dana. He is a great, great promoter. Why would this make me upset? I was busy watching [the Raiders beat Miami 15-13] and the basketball game.”
Especially in front of Gronkowski, White really had no incentive to lie. The ex-tight end might certify that what White said was accurate because he would have firsthand knowledge of what happened prior to the 2021 season.
Of course, if Davis revealed he attempted to sign Brady, he would be discrediting his own quarterback. Derek Carr was the player to whom Brady was referring when the seven-time Super Bowl MVP infamously criticized an anonymous quarterback last year, and we already have compelling proof to support this claim. You can see why Davis does not feel confident bringing it up.
