
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin clearly didn’t expect to be giving his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday. But after losing four of their final six games, Pittsburgh isn’t going to be playing meaningful January football.
The backdrop here is drama between the Steelers and star receiver Antonio Brown. It was reported earlier in the week that Brown was benched after skipping practice and following a dispute with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Another report suggested that Brown had demanded a trade. Though, that part of the drama remains up in the air. What we do know is that Brown has been active on social media, leading to further suggestions that he wants out of Pittsburgh.
In talking about the Brown drama, Tomlin had a whole lot to say on Wednesday.
More Tomlin on Antonio Brown: Wanted to "leave the light on" for the game. After Friday, it became difficult to communicate with him. Wasn't able to talk to him Friday or Saturday. Wasn't there Saturday and "it became altogether different"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Agent Drew Rosenhaus talked to MIke Tomlin Sunday and said AB was ready to play. Tomlin told him that's not how decisions are made. "I head he left the stadium, I don't confirm that" because he wasn't sure
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Tomlin also noted that he has not spoken with Brown since Pittsburgh’s season finale on Sunday.
More Tomlin on situation now with AB: "I haven't spoken with him since' before the game Sunday. "We're going to address him and the circumstance"'
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
That pretty much aligns with what Big Ben said earlier in the week.
Though, in an interesting turn, Tomlin didn’t quiet the talk that Brown might be treaded. In fact, he went in the opposite direction.
Tomlin on AB: "We take his lack of presence . . . as something very significant and will be handled appropriately so. . . . Not going to speculate on trade and haven't been formally asked
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Mike Tomlin: Again, not going to speculate on possible trade
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Mike Tomlin: Admits there comes a point where AB becomes more a problem than useful
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Brown’s contract might very well be hard to trade. But if the Steelers are intent on moving on from him, they will find a way.
The 30-year-old pass catcher hauled in 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns this past season. If he’s placed on the trade block, they’ll be no shortage of interest in the wide receiver.