FTX founder and accused money launderer Sam Bankman-Fried is currently standing trial for what authorities allege was a massive fraud scheme around the Bitcoin trading website.
On Sunday night, author Michael Lewis appeared on CBS’ venerable investigative show “60 Minutes,” and revealed that he saw FTX internal documents detailing the insane bags of cash paid to big-time celebrities like Tom Brady, Tom Brady’s ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry, and actor Larry David.
Lewis said Brady in particular made out like a bandit, netting $55 million for roughly seven days of work as a pitchman for FTX.
Bankman-Fried turned to the sports world to bring his FTX crypto exchange legitimacy and visibility. Author Michael Lewis says he saw internal documents that showed the tens of millions paid to Tom Brady and Steph Curry, and for a Superbowl ad, Larry David. pic.twitter.com/Fx6qfhrdPJ
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 1, 2023
“He paid Tom Brady $55 million for 20 hours a year for three years,” Lewis told CBS’ 60 Minutes.
Bankman-Fried, at the height of his powers, was reportedly worth $32 billion until a series of risky investments by his hedge firm, Alameda Research.
Lewis said that Brady genuinely “adored” Bankman-Fried.
“I think Tom Brady thought he was a really interesting person,” said Lewis. “[Brady] liked to hear what he had to say.”
Of course that changed when the scam was revealed.
“As time has gone by and he’s ceased to get a really good explanation about what’s happened, I think [Brady] is just like, ‘He tricked me. I’m angry. I don’t want to have anything to do with it anymore,’” Lewis said of Brady’s reaction.
