Antonio Brown has had a roller coaster year. The free-agent wide receiver was made aware of an eight-game suspension today due to numerous violations of the NFL code of conduct. The wildly talented receiver had been under investigation by the NFL after he was alleged to have committed multiple sexual assaults against his former trainer. Another case of sexual assault was presented by an artist who was doing work in Brown’s home back in 2017.
Antonio Brown Suspended Eight Games
Brown to the Raiders
Antonio Brown was acquired by the Oakland Raiders in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders got Brown in exchange for a third and fifth-round draft pick. The trade looked like a steal for the Raiders, but it didn’t work out that way. After filing grievances with the league to wear his old helmet he had multiple run-ins with management and demanded his release and the Raiders released him just hours before his contract money became guaranteed. It was a short turbulent stint for Brown.
Brown to the Patriots
It looked as if he was done for the season, but the New England Patriots took a chance on him signing him the same day he was released by the Raiders. He played in exactly one game for the Patriots, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later after further allegations arose and a series of text messages from an accuser were released, the Patriots cut ties with Brown. In the texts, allegedly Antonio Brown attempted to intimidate his accuser.
Brown has retired, plead for another chance, and retired again. There were teams interested in signing him for the 2020 season. However, now that he’s been handed an eight-game suspension, chances of him taking the field are pretty slim indeed.
What’s next for Antonio Brown?
In his last complete season with the Steelers in 2018 Antonio Brown had 104 receptions for just under 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns. His fall from grace has been pretty monumental.
It’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not Antonio Brown ever plays in the NFL again. He has the talent but doesn’t seem able to get out of his own way. He’ll be available for half of this season if it goes as planned. It would be interesting to see if someone takes a flyer on him.
