Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is no longer with the team after tossing his uniform and equipment into the stands as he left the field during the third quarter of the Buccaneers’ game.
Head coach Bruce Arians told reporters after the game that Brown is not with the team but would not expound on the situation.
“He is no longer a Buc,” Arians said. “Alright. That’s the end of the story.”
Arians on AB “He is no longer a Buc” pic.twitter.com/SXkvWvs2Ly
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 2, 2022
Brown left while Tampa Bay was trailing the New York Jets by double digits, but he did not go subtly after he was reportedly benched by Arians, according to Go Bucs radio commentator TJ Rives. Teammate Mike Evans attempted to persuade Brown to stay, but Brown walked off the field, giving the crowd a peace sign.
Antonio Brown ran off the field shirtless after showing some frustration on the sidelines.@JenHale504 pic.twitter.com/Jet6ofnNm2
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 2, 2022
The receiver’s exit is drawing reactions across social media, including from O.J. Simpson, who tweeted a video condemning Brown’s actions.
Inexcusable!!! #antoniobrown pic.twitter.com/cY8WioogJ8
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) January 2, 2022
“For him to pull what he pulled today is completely inexcusable,” Simpson said. “Playoffs are coming up, and you pull this crap on a guy who really went out on a limb for you — totally B.S. Inexcusable.”
Brown was court-ordered for a mental health screening in January 2020 following his arrest for battery charges. He pleaded no contest in July 2020, resulting in two years’ probation. Brown’s attorney on the case told USA Today that his mental health screening showed he is “perfectly mentally healthy and fine.” He has seen a therapist to work on his mental health.
After taking some time away from the National Football League, Brown joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, winning a Super Bowl with the team.
Before leaving the game, Brown had three catches for 26 yards in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Tampa Bay defeated the Jets by a final score of 28-24.
