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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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.”
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.
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.