Antonio Brown has been formally released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the drama surrounding the controversial wide receiver continues.
During the game against the Jets, Brown created a scene by removing his jersey, pads, and shirt, and then doing jumping jacks before heading to the locker room. He has accused Coach Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers of mishandling an ankle injury, claiming he was pressured to play despite being injured and given a risky painkiller injection by the team’s staff.
After experiencing extreme pain, Brown decided not to return to the field, but Arians allegedly instructed him to go back in. Video footage has emerged showing Brown visibly favoring his injured ankle before the game against the Jets. Former team doctor David Chao also noted that Brown appeared to be favoring his left ankle in the video.
Brown later leaked alleged text messages between him and Arians, indicating Arians expressing that the team was not resting up for the playoffs and Brown stating that he was unable to perform at full speed.
Arians rebutted these claims in a press conference, asserting that Brown did not follow the proper procedures and seemed fit to play. Arians mentioned that Brown never consulted the trainer or doctor about his ankle during the game, which is standard protocol. Arians also mentioned that he told Brown to leave after Brown complained about not being targeted and refusing to go back onto the field.
