One day after Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Antonio Brown was ready to move on from his pre-season grievances and play football, Oakland released Brown hours after he publicly requested to be let go.
Gruden said Friday that the Raiders were excited to have Brown back, following Brown’s mid-week confrontation with general manager Mike Mayock. Hours later, ESPN reported that Brown was fined again by the Raiders for his behavior – but the details of the fine led Brown to ask for a release.
Brown was fined $215,073, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, for “conduct detrimental to the team.” The punishment voided Brown’s remaining $29 million in guaranteed money, which gives the Raiders the option to cut ties with Brown at any time without suffering a major financial penalty. Instead of playing for his base salary, Brown said “no more.”
The Raiders granted Brown’s request, and announced Saturday afternoon that Brown has been released. The Raiders will begin their regular season on Monday night against the Broncos.
What’s next for Antonio Brown? Fans on social media are dreading the day when Bill Belichick adds Brown to a loaded roster.
