Antonio Brown is threatening to never play football again, apparently telling the Raiders Friday hes done unless the NFL loosens its rule and allows him to wear his old helmet, ESPN reported.
Brown spent two hours on a call with league officials trying to convince them to let him wear a 10-year-old helmet that the NFL has since banned because it doesnt meet the leagues new safety standards, sources told ESPNs Adam Schefter.
When the Raiders were reached for comment, they told this news organization, The Raiders are aware of and are supportive of Antonio, but have no other comment.
Whether Brown would actually quit the game because of his dispute is a matter of conjecture. He signed a three-year, $50.125 million deal after joining the Raiders, with a little more than $30 million of it guaranteed. Would Brown, who admits money is important to him, really walk away from $30 million because of his helmet preference?
Raiders coach Jon Gruden, when contacted by this news organization for his reaction to Browns hardline stance, didnt offer a comment.
The mercurial wide receiver has been absent from training camp in Napa, Calif., with blistered feet suffered in a cryogenic machine mishap, but hes now so chapped about having to wear a new helmet that he filed a grievance against the NFL.
A decision on Browns grievance may come as early as next week, ESPN reported.
In the meantime, NFL Networks Mike Silver says Brown has tried to sneak his old helmet, repainted to nearly match the Raiders helmet design, onto the practice field. But his effort was squashed in Napa the Raiders are motivated to keep him from using that helmet under threat of NFL discipline if any player uses an unapproved helmet.
The seven-time Pro Bowler has complained the new league-approved helmets make it more difficult for him to see the ball. Brown isnt alone in his disappointment about some old-style helmets being legislated out of the league. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also wants to keep wearing his old helmet but, then again, he hasnt threatened to walk away from the game over it.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is among 30 other players who must change their helmets to abide by the NFLs guidelines.
One Raiders coach told Silver he cant believe all the fuss over the helmet.
Honestly, the most insane thing I have ever heard, the coach said. I dont know why its so important to him. It doesnt make any sense.
Obviously, Browns comfort level with his helmet is vital to him. But, the helmet hes worn throughout his career is apparently now discontinued after the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) refused to certify it or any helmet older than 10 years old.
If Browns desire to keep his old helmet is a distraction to the team, it apparently isnt the only time hes taken the focus off the team in training camp. Brown has reportedly been frequently late to team meetings, and doesnt always appear engaged once hes there.
Some unnamed Raiders sources told the NFL Network that Brown often looks at one of his tablets or his phone while in a meeting. One source said Brown often checks out his bank accounts or flips through Instagram posts.
