The Oakland Raiders have put up with a lot for Antonio Brown, and here is the timeline of the entire saga heading to his release Saturday.
Just when you think things might be calming down for the Oakland Raiders, there is yet another turn in the Antonio Brown saga. The Oakland Raiders fined Brown $215,000 this morning, and have voided the guaranteed money on this contract.
Brown, in response to this, asked to be released from the team which looks to be the final nail in the coffin. Later Saturday, the team in fact did release Brown, the seven-time Pro Bowler who did not play a snap for the team.
From the moment Brown joined the Raiders, it has been nothing but a wild roller coaster from his frostbite feet to his helmet grievances. The Raiders seemed to be in support of Brown throughout most of it, but things took a turn this past Wednesday.
Let’s examine the timeline that brought us to this point.
September 4
Known for posting things he shouldn’t from his days in Pittsburgh, Brown posted his fine letter sent by general manager Mike Mayock on Instagram.
According to Paul Gutierrez from ESPN, Brown was half-hearted at practice that day and was barking at the strength coach before eventually getting into it with Mike Mayock.
The altercation was described as very ugly to the point where Vontaze Burfict had to hold Brown back. There was also a bevy of cuss words thrown at Mayock by Brown.
ICYMI, here's what Antonio Brown posted this morning on his Instagram story, showing displeasure with being fined by the Raiders for missing part of training camp. https://t.co/Jb2Va3cBt6 pic.twitter.com/OCzB2CFyOF
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) September 4, 2019
September 5
Reports begin to break that Brown could be suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.
Mayock made a quick statement to the media explaining the Brown was not at practice or in the building. He also stressed that he had no more info at the time but would let people know when he did.
When Jon Gruden took the podium, he was mum as to what the Raiders would do as well, but let the media know he would have an announcement later in the day, which he never did.
#Raiders WR Antonio Brown and GM Mike Mayock got into it earlier this week, and it got ugly. Mayock clearly frustrated with AB posting his fine letter on Instagram. And now, a suspension for conduct detrimental could mean losing $30M in guaranteed money.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2019
September 6
This is where it gets really good. Brown returns to the building and gives an “emotional apology” to the team concerning recent events. Standing between the captains, the team welcomes AB back with open arms, and things appear to be all-good in Oakland.
Gruden later gives a statement to the media that the plan is for Brown to play on Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Raider Nation is pumped because they got their guy back in time to face a division rival.
Brown later that night releases a video on his YouTube page which plays a conversation Brown and Gruden had about what is going on. Though it was deemed troublesome to many, Gruden reportedly liked the video.
September 7
The Raiders fine Brown $215,000 for conduct detrimental to the team, by doing so the team voided the $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money on Brown’s contract. Obviously, this upsets Brown, who was mad that the Raiders fined him over $50,000 a few days earlier.
Brown, in response to losing his guaranteed money, has now asked to be released from the team.
Antonio Brown on Instagram: “Release me @Raiders.” pic.twitter.com/PhyiEzQqBI
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 7, 2019
Hours later, the Raiders granted his wish, and released Brown. It was an end to one of the sorrier stories in the history of the Raiders franchise, but now, Brown is able to sign with whatever team he would like. It should be interesting to see if any team takes a flier on him.