After a tumultuous couple of weeks, Antonio Brown has found a way to make history with possibly 9 grievances to be filed this year.
The former star receiver had been fined for conduct detrimental to the team (Raiders) before being released, and then was released days after signing and playing for the New England Patriots when allegations of sexual assault were made against him.
It was reported this past weekend that Brown could set a record for grievances filed as the record currently stands at 8. So far this year Brown has filed 8 against the Steelers and Patriots to recover the guaranteed money he lost by being released. A 9th, and record setting filing, could reportedly be filed against the NFL if he’s suspended following their investigation into the sexual assault accusations.
In short, he’s going down fighting
Whether there is merit to those accusation isn’t for us to say, but it’s obvious he’s lashing out at everyone that he feels has wronged him.
The problems started at the end of last season when he had a disconnect with the Steelers and the coaching staff. That on its own isn’t new as coaches regularly wear out their welcome, so to speak. After a time, players tune the coaches out and feel disenfranchised.
According to reports, Brown wanted to go to the Patriots in the offseason, but the Steelers weren’t about to trade their best wideout to the AFC’s best team, subsequently making it harder on themselves. So they traded him to the Oakland Raiders.
Once with the Raiders, Brown argued against the league wide helmet change that eliminated the style he wore his entire career and was fined for missing practices. He then allegedly got into an argument with Raiders GM Mike Mayock and went to social media to demand his release.
It was granted, but the Raiders nixed his $30 million guaranteed money due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Later that same day, he signed with the Patriots for a one year $15 million ($9 million guaranteed) contract. He appeared in the Patriots’ week two contest against the Dolphins, making 4 catches, one for a touchdown.
He was later released by the Patriots when the first sexual assault civil case was brought against him.
The Patriots refused to pay him his $9 million guaranteed money, prompting him to announce last week that he was done with the NFL. Before his announcement, two teams were reportedly interested in signing him if/when he was cleared of the charges.
Now, with the filing of these grievances, he’s opened the door for everyone to question his motives and label him what they will.
Whether he’s cleared of the charges or not, and whether he gets his money or not, it’ll be tough for a team to want to invest in him after seeing all of this. But if the NFL is anything, it’s the home of second, third, and fourth chances.
