Canaan Sims
The seven-time Pro Bowler, Antonio Brown has been through the storm this past NFL off season and entering the 2019-20 regular season. As one of the league’s best wide receivers, Brown has found himself in a tight situation, leaving a franchise that he led for the last five seasons and, entering a new offense that does not suit his play style.
Antonio Brown formerly played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was traded to the Oakland Raiders for the off season.
Antonio Brown
Brown worked out with the Raiders for the entire off season just to be released, then signed days before the season begins to join the infamous New England Patriots.
Brown did not cooperate with the Raiders staff over him not being able to wear a helmet the league did not regulate for safety purposes. Then, Brown wanted to give the head coach, John Gruden, ideas for a better offense. They saw their differences and it did not end well. AB asked to be released after seeing this agreement would not work out in the long run, so his wish was granted.
The Oakland Raiders released Antonio Brown on Saturday, September 7 and the New England Patriots signed him two days later on September 9. The NFL season begun the next day; therefore, AB was not eligible to play the first week but was set to the play for week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.
During AB’s first week of practice, he was accused of sexual assault while he was in college. Brown was still cleared to play that Sunday, September 14, against the Dolphins. Antonio Brown put up 4 receptions for 56 yards and touchdown to take the blow out “W” for a final score of 43-0.
Antonio Brown
The New England franchise was very satisfied with Brown’s performance and had high expectations of him. Sad to say with the accusations coming up in the media and with him currently being one of the faces of the NFL, the New England Patriots released the star wide receiver on Saturday, September 21.
With these accusations in the way, Brown is not currently a target for pick up by any NFL teams currently. Few days after being released from the Patriots, Brown tweeted on Twitter, “Will not be playing in the NFL anymore these owners can cancel deals do whatever they want at anytime we will see if the NFLPA hold them accountable sad they can just void guarantees anytime going on 40m 2 months will see if they pay up !” AB’s negative attitude has impacted the league and left fans of the game curious if he will ever make a comeback. His agent is informing the media that Brown is not officially done with the league.
In addition to the accusations, Antonio Brown is currently facing a civil lawsuit against his former trainer for the act of rape. There are also allegations from an artist who says Brown sent threatening messages to her and exposed himself while she was painting a mural for him.
This is not the first time a sexual assault or rape accusations have been brought up around a professional athlete. A player of Antonio Brown’s caliber does not come around all the time, and the NFL will not let his talent leave the field that easily. His agent has spoken with other teams who are interested in Brown and are curious about his future with the NFL. The 31-year-old receiver has more time on his professional clock. Question is, what NFL team will utilize that time?
Antonio Brown and Head Coach John Gruden
Now people have wondered what the Raiders truly missed out on not catering to a player who could have strongly contributed to their team. Coach Gruden of the Raiders said due to AB’s departure, the team needs to do “a little bit of, re-thinking.” The timing affected the teams whole plan for the upcoming season, building their offense around Derek Carr and Brown being his #1 target to make a post season run.
The Patriots also missed out on another offensive threat that could have secured them going very far in the regular season, but they are pretty set with good coaching and arguably the greatest Quarterback of all time. One of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, Rob Gronkowski, retired after last season so now he is creating new bonds with veteran receivers Josh Gordon, Julian Edelman, and Chris Hogan. Patriots are the current defending Super Bowl Champions and are highly anticipated to make a return as they have done the last three years.
Brown was guaranteed 9 million dollars from the New England Patriots and that deal was taken away immediately. The patriots did not want the negative attention on them, so they did what they felt was best for the team.
Antonio Brown’s image has been ruined because of one lawsuit. It only takes one mishap or mistake to bring a man of his stature down to where he started. Antonio Brown is brought up in conversations with the likes of Randy Moss and Jerry Rice.
If Antonio Brown does not allow this hiccup to end his career, he will find his way to the Hall of Fame.
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/25/jon-gruden-defends-derek-carr-antonio-brown-exit-hurt-offense
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/11/sports/football/antonio-brown-career.html
https://www.tmz.com/2019/09/25/antonio-brown-drew-rosenhaus-nfl-future/
https://www.apnews.com/5fc38defe1734e78b320d86bcd22bda8