Superstar NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown had only been signed to the Oakland Raiders for a few months before being labeled as football’s #1 drama king and being released from a multimillion-dollar contract.
Within just a few hours of his release, Antonio Brown was able to negotiate a one-year, $15 million contract with the New England Patriots on Saturday. Brown had built his reputation with the Pittsburgh Steelers after playing 9 years and becoming arguably one of the best wide receivers in the league.
Without a doubt, during his NFL tenure, Antonio Brown has frequently been known to be a controversial player. However, Bill Belichick, the Patriots head coach, has been known for taking some of the more problematic athletes and giving them a second chance. This included some familiar names from Chad Johnson to Adam “Pacman” Jones.
Reports came out on NFL.com of Brown receiving cryogenic therapy without the appropriate footwear which then caused him to get frostbite. He then arrived at training camp with the undisclosed injury. As well as posting a picture on Instagram of his blistered feet.
Brown had also caused a spectacle for the Raider organization when he refused to practice after being told he was not allowed to use the helmet of his preference after it was banned in the off-season by the NFL for not meeting the safety standards.
The star receiver had previously posted a YouTube video of a taped conversation between himself and head coach Jon Gruden. Gruden was asking Brown if he was ready to play and wanted to be a Raider, to which the receiver responded by saying he was a Raider.
After failing to practice, the Raiders fined Brown with almost $54,000. He then went back onto social media and posted a picture of the letter informing him of the fines. To make matters worse, it was reported that Brown threatened the General Manager, Mike Mayock. The team was considering suspending Brown for some games. Even so, the receiver went back to social media and posted a message on his Instagram about how he was unappreciated and went on to write “Release me @Raiders #NOMore.”
Antonio Brown is reported to not playing this Sunday for the Patriot’s season-opening game as he has to sign the contract, take and pass the physical before being allowed to play.