Antonio Brown tossed his jersey & shoulder pads toward the bench, threw his glove and undershirt into the stands and ran off the field bare-chested, waving a peace-out sign to fans in the end zone while Tom Brady huddled the offense for an important play.
Following his strange outburst Sunday, Brown is out as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers & one can only hope he finds peace.
Brown’s bizarre behavior quickly blew up on social media & dominated NFL headlines around the league.
But Brown’s mental health is no joke to be trivialized by a meme.
It’s easy to pile on the four-time All-Pro wide receiver, especially after he was suspended 3 games for misrepresenting his vaccination status.
However, Brown clearly needs help. His on-field, in-game meltdown was the latest troubling incident in a career filled with big plays & absurd actions.
Brown wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh, was released by the Raiders before even playing a game for them in 2019 & lasted 1 game with the Patriots. He got another chance in the NFL with Brady & the Buccaneers last year after serving an eight-game suspension for multiple violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy, & ended up winning a Super Bowl ring. Even Brady couldn’t save his buddy’s roster spot after this incident.
“It’s a difficult situation,” Brady said after the gam. “Everybody should do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it. We all love him. We care about him deeply. We want to see him be at his best. Unfortunately, it won’t be with our team. ... I think everyone should be very compassionate & empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening.”
Brown’s career in the NFL is most likely over. It’s hard to imagine another team would give the 33-year-old an opportunity & risk all the drama he brings.
Still, Brown should get the benefit of various mental health services the NFL offers players & team personnel. The league & the players’ union have plenty of resources available for anyone who needs it — if they ask.
While Brown deserves criticism for quitting on his team during a game — the Buccaneers were facing a third-and-7 and trailed 24-10 in the third quarter when he walked out — the mercurial seven-time Pro Bowl pick needs support from his friends & those close to him.
If Brown’s career is over, he’ll finish with 928 receptions, 12,291 yards receiving and 83 TD catches. His stats are worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it’ll be tough to convince voters to overlook the character concerns.
For now, Brown has more important matters to address.
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Source: AP
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