ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Oakland Raiders Antonio Brown may be suspended after arguing with general manager Mike Mayock.
Speaking to the media, Mayock did not confirm about the wide receiver being suspended from the game: “Short and sweet, Antonio Brown is not in the building today. He won’t be practicing, I don’t have any more information for you right now. When I have some, and it becomes appropriate, you guys will all get it, I promise you. But that’s it for today.”
The Raiders' injury report reveals that Brown’s absence from practice on Thursday was conduct-related.
The argument was about a Brown complaining on social media about a fine of $14,000 for not attending a team walkthrough. Brown posted the letter signed by Mayock which indicated that he had accrued another $40,000 in fines.
According to Schefter, the argument with Mayock never got physical but Brown threatened to hit Mayock in the face and told Mayock to fine him after he punted a ball.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network pointed out that the Raiders could go after the $30 million guaranteed money for Brown.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden stated "I'm emotional about it, hope you understand why. I think a lot of this guy, I think Antonio is a great receiver, and I think deep down, I think he's a really good guy. So I'm frustrated. I'm not going to say any more about it. Hope it all works out. But I don't have anything official to say about anything else until I get all the facts, and that's what I'm going to do."
Previously, Brown got frostbite on his feet during a cryotherapy session keeping him out of training camp and participating in any preseason games. He has also been arguing with the NFL for not being able to wear an older model helmet banned by the NFL and the NFL Players Association starting this season for safety reasons.
There is no statement yet on the duration of the suspension, if he was actually suspended, but it will have a large impact on the Raiders’ season opener against the Denver Broncos.
