Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady has stated that an apparent incident involving him addressing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson about livestreaming on social media within team facilities was not a significant concern.
A clip circulated online that appeared to show Brady speaking with Gardner-Johnson during a livestream. In the clip, Brady could be heard suggesting that Gardner-Johnson be mindful of livestreaming in certain team areas, such as the locker room or training room. Gardner-Johnson responded by saying, "no worries" and subsequently appeared to end the broadcast.
Brady, who is in his first year as head coach after being promoted from offensive coordinator, addressed the matter with reporters on Wednesday.
"Something like that was not an issue," Brady said when asked about establishing his presence with the team. "Just be myself. I’m not trying to be anybody, that’s all I know. This is year one for everybody. Like I told the team, we’ve never been here before."
He emphasized that he would address situations that do not meet team standards or hinder performance. "If I see things that’s not the standard or living up to it or gets in the way of it, then I’ll address it. But something like that is not an issue. That’s not a concern."
Gardner-Johnson, who joined the Bills this season after playing for the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears last year, did not appear to be affected by the interaction. Videos showed him enthusiastically participating in practice on Wednesday, even as it rained, and signing autographs for fans.
Brady's promotion to head coach followed the dismissal of Sean McDermott. This is Gardner-Johnson's first season with the Bills.