Buccaneers’ head coach Bruce Arians announced today that Antonio Brown’s career in a Tampa Bay uniform is over.
What prompted the chaos?
During the 3rd quarter of the Tampa Bay’s non conference game versus the New York Jets at MetLife stadium troubled Bucs wide receiver Antonio Brown, who isn’t a stranger to on and off the field antics, took off his jersey and shoulder pads, tossed them towards the teams coaching staff, chucked the deuces, and walked off the field – quitting the team during the game.
Why was AB so upset?
There have been multiple reports that Bruce Arians benched AB, which ignited the meltdown.
The obvious elephant in the room, according to Spotrac, was that Brown was eight catches away from a big time $333,333 bonus. In addition, he was 55 yards away from another $333,333 bonus and a receiving touchdown away from the third $333,333 bonus which with other incentives would put him over $1,000,000.
AB’s History of Antics:
- Sexual Assault accusations from former trainer (which still hasn’t been resolved).
- Brown was benched in 2018 by Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin after reportedly being upset that JuJu Smith-Schuster was named team MVP.
- AB declared himself not being traded to the Bills on social media which canceled a deal between the Steelers to the Bills.
- While in Oakland the NFL updated its Health and Safety helmet wear, which would end the use of the former helmets that were sustaining multiple head injuries and concussions. AB filed a grievance against the NFL to continue using his helmet, which was later denied.
- Skipping workouts with the Raiders, prompting management to fine him over 53,000 for not appearing at team functions and workouts.
- Racial comments towards general manager Mike Mayock – calling him a “cracker.” The Raiders eventually annulled his contract, which was reportedly worth up to $30 million.
- A second person accused AB of sexual assault which prompted the Patriots to release Brown. The receiver was later cited for sending threatening text messages to the accuser which were eventually leaked over social media.
- Brown was charged with assault and battery for striking a worker from a storage moving company.
- This season, Antonio recently returned from a suspension levied by the NFL for supplying a fake vaccination card.
Today was literally the last straw for a troubled wide receiver who once took the league by storm with his sensational receiving talents.
Worth noting, we’ve seen time and time again, voters who elect players to be inducted into the hall of fame hold back players from the first ballot due to their antics on and off the field. There is no question when you look at Brown’s numbers he stacks up with the best of the best to ever play the game. His latest antics – publicly quitting on his team and a player in Tom Brady who went over and beyond to help salvage his career, should be the last straw.
Endless Chances
If AB needs help and mental evaluation, he should seek the necessary assistance. Life is much bigger for the receiver and with his latest demonstrations, there may be a quiet outcry for help from a diva who thinks the world revolves around him.