Yesterday, we saw the meltdown of the century.
After twice refusing to enter the Buccaneers game against the Jets on Sunday at head coach Bruce Arians’ command, Antonio Brown lost it. Arians told him to “get out” and chaos ensued.
Brown ripped off his shirt and his pads and subsequently ran off the field at MetLife Stadium, waving to fans and shooting the peace sign at fans. Teammates Mike Evans and O.J. Howard attempted to quell Brown, but to no avail.
“We all love him,” said Tom Brady. “We care about him deeply. We want to see him be at his best. Unfortunately it won’t be with our team.”
Brown has a history of drama throughout his NFL career. In 2019, the Steelers let him go after several issues off the field, including throwing a football at Ben Roethlisberger, not showing up for the Steelers final game in 2018, and a reckless driving charge.
It was the Raiders who acquired Brown from the Steelers for two draft picks. The Raiders extended him for three years and $50 million. Then came more controversy. Brown showed up to the Raiders camp after foolishly entering a cryotherapy machine to help his ailing feet, which in turn made things worse for him. He then made a big stink over the NFL’s new helmet safety standards. He also skipped team workouts and had beef with general manager Mike Mayock.
This resulted in Brown being released by Oakland and signing with the Patriots on a one-year deal worth $15 million and a $9-million signing bonus. Three days later, allegations of sexual assault surfaced, as his former trainer, Britney Taylor, accused him of rape. He then played only one game in New England before another woman accused Brown of sexual assault. She also revealed that Brown had sent her threatening text messages. The Pats then released Brown.
Brown was suspended eight games by the NFL in July of 2020 after being arrested for attacking a driver of a moving company truck. He was charged with burglary, battery, and criminal mischief.
The Buccaneers took a chance on him in October of 2020, with Bruce Arians saying at the time, “He screws up one time, he’s gone.” Brown remained with the Bucs for the 2021 season. He was suspended again in December for handing the NFL a fake vaccination card.
All of this led to his outburst on Sunday that resulted in him being released by Tampa Bay. He also allegedly approached security guards at MetLife Stadium, requesting a ride to the airport. Unsurprisingly, the guards refused.
“We thought he was a jumper,” one of the officers said. “He was shirtless and didn’t have his wallet.”
“It’s tough,” said running back Le’Veon Bell. “Obviously when I came over here, I was happy to be reunited with him. Unfortunately it was only two games, but at the end of the day, I wish the best for him outside of football or whatever’s next for him.”
It’s hard to imagine another team taking a chance on Brown after this. He’s made mistakes time and again, and now, he quite literally just “ran” himself out of a job.
