If you thought all the drama surrounding Antonio Brown and the Oakland Raiders ended with him getting fined and settling on his new Xenith helmet, you were very mistaken.
According to reports, Brown and general manager Mike Mayock got into an altercation after Brown posted his fine letter to social media Wednesday. During the verbal spat, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says that Brown threatened to punch Mayock in the face, then kicked a football in frustration.
Antonio Brown was unhappy about being fined and had an exchange with #Raiders general manager Mike Mayock on Wednesday. He was held back by a couple of teammates, sources said, and is now facing a team suspension.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 5, 2019
Because of the threat, the star wideout is looking at least a one-game suspension from the team, its Monday night tilt against the Denver Broncos.
But here’s the thing about that could really hurt A.B.’s feelings, a suspension would wipe out $29.125 million in contract guarantees. He could still get the money if he plays out his deal, but if Oakland cuts him at any point, they don’t have to pay and don’t have to count it against their salary cap.
More on #Raiders WR Antonio Brown and Mike Mayock yesterday: It did not get physical, sources say. But after a screaming match, Brown told Mayock that he would hit him in the face and then punted the ball… and said, Fine me for that. 💸💸💸
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2019
Needless to say, Brown and his agent Drew Rosenhaus would appeal the suspension for that very reason. It won’t mean that A.B. will be on the field, they have no control over that. The Raiders can activate and deactivate who they want. The appeal would only be to get the guarantees reinstated, and considering he threatened to attack Mayock, I don’t think they can win.
Antonio Brown’s summer of stupid just got stupider.
The fact is, head coach Jon Gruden has sent a receiver packing before over being a locker room problem. Back in 2016 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he put Keyshawn Johnson on his couch for good. And, unlike 2006, the Raiders won’t be stuck with Brown’s contract like Tampa Bay was with Johnson’s.
There are those around the league who now believe the Raiders could suspend Antonio Brown with the idea of trying to void the $30.125 million of guaranteed money in his contract.
Which obviously would end his time in Oakland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2019
If the Raiders jettison Brown today, all they’re out is $1 million. Obviously, in real world terms that’s a lot of money, but in football funds, it’s nothing.
