Dec 12, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians says that wide receiver Antonio Brown never told them that he was injured during Week 17 sideline debacle.
Once again, Antonio Brown is the story of the NFL. This time, his latest actions led to his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown walked off the field in the middle of the team’s game against the New York Jets after he took off his equipment.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that what caused Brown to exit was his refusal to go into the game when requested by head coach Bruce Arians and the coaching staff multiple times. Rapoport continued, saying that those close to Brown claimed that the wide receiver refused to enter the game because he was not healthy.
Shortly after this update, Arians told the media during a press conference that Brown never told the coaches that he was hurt. Additionally, Arians says that Brown left the field on his own.
Why did Antonio Brown quit? Bruce Arians rejects AB’s version of the story
As for the ankle injury in question, Brown did miss practice in the lead up to the Jets game. But, as mentioned in Rapoport’s report, the wide receiver was cleared to play in the game and was running routes.
Yet, after Arians asked him to re-enter the game, that was when the situation spiraled out of control like it did. Fan angle of the incident saw Brown rip off his jersey and shoulder pads before throwing his shirt and gloves into the crowd before departing to the locker room. In said video, you can see wide receiver Mike Evans try to convince Brown to stay on the sidelines, but it was to no avail.
Immediately after Tampa Bay pulled out a comeback 28-24 victory, Arians announced that Brown was “no longer a Buc.”
As always, we will continue to keep you updated on the ongoing Antonio Brown saga.