The league year officially kicked off on Wednesday meaning all those deals in principle can become real. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders and closed a chapter on the franchise. Brown had his first press conference as a Raider and just like Brown, he was late. But his tardiness didn’t move the meter at all. Here are our three big takeaways from the presser.
Owner mentality
Maybe the reason Brown didn’t like Ben Roethlisberger’s “owner mentality” is because he wasn’t allowed to have one too. Talking about setting new standards, fines for players and holding teammates accountable sound an awful lot like things an owner would do.
Brown remains blameless
Brown’s comments and tenor reminded us all he takes no blame for his part in the failed relationship between the Steelers and him. Brown will forever be in denial he did anything wrong and he was just wronged by Pittsburgh and some of his teammates.
It was all an act
Gone is the blonde mustache, blue dreadlocks and Mr. Big Chest. Brown was clean shaven, composed and calm at the press conference. Just more proof the theatrics of the last few weeks was nothing more than an act to assure the Steelers would trade him.
