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Antonio Brown's fallout involving his exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is far from over. The 33-year-old wide receiver has accused the Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of being ignorant towards an injury he suffered to his ankle.
In the third quarter of the Week 17 matchup of the Buccaneers against the New York Jets, Brown began to shed his uniform and clothes as he threw them into the stands and waved goodbye to fans as he exited MetLife Stadium.
Brown and his attorney, Sean Burstyn, appeared on HBO Max's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" show on Tuesday. Burstyn said all options are on the table, including a lawsuit against the Bucs and Arians.
Burstyn even included general manager Jason Licht in his statement. The Bucs' belief that Brown had unresolved mental health issues are one of the most significant factors in their lawsuit.
"All of our options are on the table. We're going to hold to account the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bruce Arians, and the general manager to the extent anyone who's responsible for this spin that Antonio isn't reliable to do a good job playing football because he doesn't have the mental fortitude to do it. They'll be held to account."
Their statement revealed a lot of information, including that Licht offered the receiver $200K to remove himself from the team to pursue mental health treatment. Brown didn't believe he needed help and was offended by the Bucs' offer.
"Antonio was defamed by this spin that he had a mental health episode that makes him someone who's not reliable to do a good job on the field," Burstyn said. "So we're pursuing internally all of our rights under the CBA and considering them and maybe stepping outside of the CBA."
Brown also denied being frustrated with Tom Brady and Arians for not getting him enough targets in their Week 16 clash with the New York Jets. Brown stood by Brady and said the following about the seven-time Super Bowl champion:
“I love Tom, that’s my guy. Don’t get it twisted. A lot of words were taken about of substance. Tom is one of my true friends and admits that adversity was there for me. So, don’t get that twisted about Tom Brady. He’s the GOAT, a great player, a great teammate. Don’t let distractions or what’s going on with me take away from it.”
Antonio Brown's future is beginning to take shape
Since Antonio Brown left the Buccaneers, his future in the NFL has been unclear. Mental health has been propelled to the forefront of conversations around Brown and won't be disappearing anytime soon as a result of his lawsuit.
Before his interview, Antonio Brown posted a picture of himself in a Baltimore Ravens jersey. On Monday, Brown told the I AM ATHLETE podcast he'd love to play in Baltimore with Lamar Jackson as his quarterback.
Antonio Brown may have to wait to receive another job. Teams don't covet unnecessary drama in their locker rooms, and Brown's lawsuit is full of it.
Of course, Brown is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in NFL history.
His talent could outweigh the negatives that come with bringing him in. For now, his claims against the Buccaneers will be the storyline to track the most when it comes to Brown.
