What we saw from now-former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets defies logic.
It was one of the most bizarre things we’ve seen around the NFL in some time. Making his second appearance since returning from an NFL-mandated suspension, Brown was seen leaving the field during Tampa Bay’s comeback win over the Jets in New Jersey.
The seven-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher apparently refused to go back in the game when confronted by Bucs head coach Bruce Arians — the latter of whom told reporters after the game that Brown had been released.
It’s just a continuation of multiple incidents surrounding Antonio Brown since he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2018. And in reality, it’s eye-opening.
“‘We thought he was a jumper,” one security officer said, adding that as Brown went through the tunnel, he asked state troopers for a ride to the airport, but they told him, “No,'” ESPN’s Jennna Laine reported Sunday evening.
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It’s safe to assume Antonio Brown’s career is over
If Brown can’t make it work with well-respected individuals such as Tom Brady and Bruce Arians, there’s absolutely no reason to believe he’ll somehow turn things around. No team is going to take a chance on a receiver who seemed to be destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame less than a half-decade ago.
Brown wore out his welcome with the Steelers. He didn’t play a single game with the then-Oakland Raiders after being dealt following the 2018 season. Brown then suited up for just one game with the New England Patriots before being released. Given Arians’ attitude after announcing Brown’s release, it seems impossible that the wide receiver would be able to latch on with another team.
“He is no longer a Buc,” Arians said Sunday afternoon. “That’s the end of the story. Let’s talk about the guys that went out there and won the game.”
Antonio Brown: A timeline
- 2018: Embroiled in public spat with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This very same year also saw Brown sued for throwing furniture off his 14th-floor apartment. Cited for speeding and reckless driving while going 100 miles-per-hour.
- 2019: Brown’s former trainer, Britney Taylor, accused him of sexual assault on three different occasions. While Brown was not prosecuted (statute of limitations), he did settle for an unknown amount with Taylor in civil court last year. A second woman also accused him of sexual misconduct. Brown was released by the Patriots after one game.
- 2020: Police in Hollywood, Florida, were called to Brown’s residence following several domestic incidents. Days later, it was alleged that Brown and another individual attacked a moving truck drive at the home. Brown ultimately pleaded no contest to felony battery and burglary charges. He received two years probation.
- 2021: Antonio Brown is suspended by the NFL for three games after allegedly faking his COVID-19 vaccination card.
Antonio Brown: The end of a once-brilliant career
It was less than a half-decade ago that Brown was considered the best wide receiver in the game. In fact, the former late-round pick from Central Michigan was on pace to break multiple career records. Just look at these eye-opening numbers.
- 2013: 110 receptions, 1,499 yards, eight touchdowns
- 2014: 129 receptions, 1,698 yards, 13 touchdowns
- 2015: 136 receptions, 1,834 yards, 10 touchdowns
- 2016: 106 receptions, 1,284 yards, 12 touchdowns
- 2017: 101 receptions, 1,533 yards, nine touchdowns
- 2018: 104 receptions, 1,297 yards, 15 touchdowns
Brown led the NFL in receptions twice, receiving yards twice and receiving touchdowns once during this six-year span.
Now, it’s safe to assume he’s out of the NFL for good.
The hope here is that Brown gets the help he needs from a mental health standpoint, because, something obviously isn’t right with him.