The Buccaneers didn’t immediately release Antonio Brown because they reportedly tried to get him help before cutting ties completely.
According to NFL Network, the Buccaneers wanted Brown to seek mental health treatment and therapy, but the wide receiver thought the idea was “ridiculous.”
Tampa Bay released Brown on Thursday, just hours after he targeted quarterback Tom Brady, coach Bruce Arians and Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero, in a number of social media posts.
Brown published alleged text messages with Arians, among other claims one day after he accused the Buccaneers of trying to force him to play through an ankle injury that he said requires surgery.
The situation with Brown exploded on Sunday when he abruptly exited Tampa’s game against the Jets in the third quarter and did not return.
Antonio Brown throws his gloves into the MetLife Stadium crowd on Jan. 2, 2022. APThe Pro Bowl wideout ripped off his shoulder pads and threw them on the sideline and tossed his gloves and shirt into the crowd at MetLife Stadium — before he ran shirtless through the end zone to the locker room.
On Wednesday, Brown’s attorney Sean Bursytn, in a statement, fought back against “false rumors” that Brown’s exit in Sunday’s win against the Jets is related to “mental health issues.”
After Brown’s release, Arians recalled his version of what happened with Brown on the sideline Sunday.
Antonio Brown before he left the Buccaneers game against the Jets. USA TODAY SportsArians claimed Brown was complaining about targets and said, “‘I ain’t playing’ ‘What’s going on?’ ‘I ain’t getting that ball. That’s when I said, ‘You’re done. Get the f–k out of here and that’s the end of it.’”
The NFL has not yet addressed Brown’s exit and his allegations against the Buccaneers and Arians.
Brown said he plans to undergo ankle surgery and return to the NFL next season. However, he’s been busy hanging with friends in New York following his breakup with the Bucs.
Antonio Brown out in New York City with Fabolous and Meek Mill on Jan. 6, 2022. BeautifulSignatureCom / SplashNeBrown sat courtside at Barclays Center on Monday to watch the Grizzlies beat the Nets, before hitting the town with rapper Fabolous.
He was most recently spotted out in New York City on Thursday night with the rapper.
Tampa will close out their regular season without Brown when they host the Panthers on Sunday.
