As the 100th season of the NFL kicks off this weekend, the one story that has dominated all others has been the Oakland Raiders vs. Antonio Brown saga. Brown, considered by most to be the best active wide receiver in the league was acquired by the Raiders during the off season from the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the trade, the Raiders gave him a big pay raise and new contract with about $30 million in guaranteed money. Then begins the drama...Brown first left training camp and then even threaten to retire because the NFL would not let him wear his helmet of choice after it was no longer deemed safe enough for use. Then, according to reports, AB had a verbal altercation with the Raiders GM which lead to him being fined more than $200,000 by the team. This fine also negated his guaranteed money. Yesterday morning, Brown posted on Instagram telling the Raiders to release him. He also released a very produced YouTube video that allegedly features a conversation between himself and Raiders head coach John Gruden in which the coach essentially tells him to (in my words), shut up and lets play. The Raiders claimed the issues with the GM was resolved and that everyone was set to move forward. Then the Instagram post demanding a release, which was, hours later, granted by the Raiders. Brown was clearly not going to play for them. It took less than half an day for the New England Patriots to scoop in and sign Brown to a 1-year contract, with the receiver set to start playing in Boston on week 2.
Phew....all the drama.
Here's what Raiders coach Jon Gruden had to say this morning...
Photo: Getty