Wide receiver Antonio Brown refused to re-enter the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game against the New York Jets because he felt he was not healthy enough to play, the NFL Network reported.
Per the network, a disagreement with coaches led to Brown’s abrupt second-half departure from Tampa Bay’s dramatic 28-24 victory Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Bucs coach Bruce Arians told Fox Sports that Brown refused his request to re-enter the game in the second half. Brown, instead, removed his jersey and shoulder pads and eventually ran shirtless off the field.
MetLife Stadium security told ESPN that initially they thought Brown was a fan who had jumped on the field.
Arians said after the win that Brown is “no longer a Buc.” Brown, 33, did not fly home with the team.
Brown did not practice Thursday or Friday due to his ankle injury. The Athletic reported Brown had tweaked his ankle in practice earlier last week and was a game-time decision on Sunday.
Brown had just returned on Dec. 26, after having been out since mid-October with the ankle injury and a three-game suspension for misrepresenting his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Brown had 1,028 yards and eight touchdowns in two seasons with the Bucs. He had three catches for 26 yards before departing Sunday’s game.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection took to Instagram after the game to thank the Buccaneers for the opportunity and also released a rap song.
–Field Level Media