Antonio Brown retired from the NFL on Monday, now the All-Pro receiver is unretiring for the third time in a year and demanding the NFL ends its investigation so he can return to the field.
Just days after posting on Twitter that he was moving on from football, Brown used Instagram on Wednesday night to demand he be allowed to return to the NFL.
Antonio Brown unretires, calls out NFL for investigation
Antonio Brown remains under investigation by the NFL for multiple sexual misconduct accusations. The NFL launched its inquiry in September following his release from the New England Patriots and the league has yet to announce a conclusion or potential discipline since.
The 32-year-old receiver is making it clear, for now, that he wants to return to the NFL. There are multiple teams interested, but no organization is willing to sign off on him until his suspension is determined. With training camp just days away and no clear end to the investigation in sight, Brown blasted Roger Goodell and the NFL on Instagram.
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown said he fully cooperated with the league’s investigation through interviews and providing access to his phones. He believes he did his part and the NFL already met with his accusers.
Of course, the NFL’s investigation to Brown could be more complicated by his series of off-field issues. After first being released by the Las Vegas Raiders then the Patriots, Brown pleaded no contest to a felony burglary with battery charge stemming from an incident in January.
Brown also went through a stretch of extreme behavioral issues, especially on social media. He blasted the NFL and hinted at retirement on Nov. 7 then clarified his statement hours later. He seemed to turn a corner after releasing an apology for his behavior a month after, before he went back to blasting the NFL.
Will Antonio Brown play in the NFL again?
Brown is a tremendous talent, even after spending nearly a full season away from the field. NFL contenders know this, recognizing what he can bring to their offense and the interest around the league reflects that. Of course, signing Brown comes with tremendous risk.
The NFL will ultimately hand down a multi-game suspension to Brown for the 2020 season, but the uncertainty of when that announcement comes hangs over him. Despite the risks and the unknown suspension length, Brown is expected to play in the NFL this season.
The Seattle Seahawks and Washington’s football team could be the favorites, but multiple clubs would improve by signing him. For now, the wait continues on the NFL’s decision and then Brown’s signing. Of course, there could be more drama that unfolds before then.