Sunday, Antonio Brown shocked the MetLife Stadium crowd and TV audience by removing his jersey and shoulder pads, throwing his undershirt and gloves into the seats, and then waving before leaving the game while it was being played.
Brown had just returned to action last week following a three-week suspension over reports that he attempted to acquire fake vaccination cards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians spent a lot of time defending Brown and giving him opportunities to play for them in spite of mounting evidence that he needed some help, either due to mental health issues or otherwise.
Sunday’s antics seem to signal an end to the relationship between the two though the team declined to comment for the time being, at least until the game is over.
Meanwhile, plenty of NFL folks are discussing the role the Bucs played in enabling Brown and not being realistic about what they needed to do in his best interest in order to benefit them on the field. While Brown is catching a lot of flak for walking off the field, the team and coach Bruce Arians are certainly getting a lot of heat as well for allowing the situation to get to this point.
Also, when we talk about Antonio Brown needing help, let’s not forget about the people Brown hurt. Including women he allegedly sexually assaulted.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) January 2, 2022
We’ll hear from Bruce Arians, Tom Brady, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization after the game for sure, but there are going to be larger questions for everyone involved beyond whether or not Antonio Brown ever plays another game for the Bucs, or any NFL team.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.