At what point do you say enough is enough when it comes to self-centered spoiled multimillionaire divas?
For the Oakland Raiders, it was about the eighth time that became the last straw. It was too much to deal with for the players, coaches, and executives.
And Antonio Brown is proving he’s the biggest clown since Terrell Owens; maybe even more so.
It’s fitting that “It: Chapter 2” hit theaters over the past weekend because it features one of Stephen King’s best villains in any of his works; Pennywise the creepy dancing clown.
There was another clown doing clown things over in Oakland, California over the weekend too. That clown was Antonio Brown who may be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a neurodegenerative disease that causes behavioral and mood problems. Nobody knows if Brown has CTE but he has certainly demonstrated the symptoms of the disease in the last couple of months.
First Brown burned the bottoms of his feet inside of a cryotherapy chamber then there was a month-long ordeal with his helmet grievance against the NFL.
But things boiled over when Raiders general manager sent Brown a private correspondence about fines estimating north of $50,000 for missing two practices.
Nevertheless, he whined about it on social media and that is allegedly what led to an altercation between the two. At first, it was reported that players had to hold the two back from each other but allegedly it was Vontaze Burfict (of all people) who had to hold Brown back from him.
Ian Rapoport tweeted, “More on Raiders WR Antonio Brown and Mike Mayock yesterday: It did not get physical, sources say. But after a screaming match, Brown told Mayock that he would hit him in the face and then punted the ball… and said, Fine me for that.”
Things escalated pretty quickly and the Raiders told him not to show up for Thursday’s practice. At this point, reports surfaced the organization planned on suspending Brown and possibly getting out of their guaranteed contract with Brown due to the Conduct Detrimental to the Team clause, which basically states that all of the contract is void if he shows a continuous faulty conduct.
There’s no question he’s demonstrated that over and over. But on Friday it seemed like water under the bridge because Brown reportedly gave the entire Raiders team a sincere and “heartfelt” apology.
Later that night, however, Brown posted one of the most unnecessary and absurd “promo” videos, maybe ever, by an athlete.
Keep in mind; California is a two-party state, which states that recording a conversation is illegal unless both parties consent. If coach Jon Gruden wanted to sue him then he very well could.
Luckily for Brown, Gruden commented shortly after the video was posted that he thought it was “awesome.”
Then the next morning arrived.
Brown was allegedly upset that the Raiders voided all of the “guarantees” in his contract, which is understandable given how unpredictable and irrational he’s become over the last couple of months. That doesn’t mean he’ll be paid any less but how were the Raiders supposed to protect themselves?
Brown asked to be released.
Thirty minutes later, the Oakland Raiders released him.
Just hours later, he signed with the New England Patriots.
On Saturday, Brown attacked Derek Carr who had stayed completely out of the situation. Brown just seems to be lashing out at everybody for unpredictable reasons. He’s either a clown or he needs serious help. This season will speak volumes.