Oakland Raiders wideout Antonio Brown is missing practice and preseason games over being forced to switch his helmet, something he does not agree with.
Antonio Brown has been in the spotlight for various reasons since ending his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most recently, Brown has been absent from Raiders training camp with frostbite on his feet and is now missing practices and games because he refuses to wear the helmet that has been approved by the NFL.
Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, appeared on TV yesterday and again this morning to discuss his client’s issue with the helmet:
“We’ve worked very closely with the Raiders, and we will continue to work very closely with the Raiders,” Rosenhaus said Sunday. “I am not sure that we agree that we’ve exhausted all the options, as Mike Mayock said. But there’s no doubt it’s still an ongoing process. We are trying to work with the team and the league and the union to come up with a solution. We haven’t figured it out yet.
“To say that AB is upset about the decision to not let him wear his helmet is accurate, but we’re still processing it and figuring it out. I wouldn’t make too much about him not being there today, as much as we’re still trying to come up with a solution that works for everyone.”
Rosenhaus is referring to the Oakland general manager’s statement:
Mayock gave Brown an ultimatum, saying you’re either all in or you’re all out. Right now, Brown appears to be somewhere in the middle.
The biggest problem is Brown is making himself out to be the Terrell Owens of his generation. He’s a diva. He’s being dramatic. Sure, there’s a comfort level with a specific helmet which he has worn for his entire career, people understand that. What people don’t understand is why every other player has made the switch to the new helmet, but Brown can’t get there. The Raiders are clearly growing tired of his antics, given what Mayock told the media.
If he doesn’t get his way with the helmet, is he going to give in and show up or sit out? It’s not on the Raiders right now. This is a problem between Brown and the league. Brown gives the appearance that he is not a team player, just another superstar who thinks he is entitled to do whatever he wants.
Brown is ruining his career over a helmet. And it’s a shame.