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On Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown announced he was on officially ending his NFL career. Although he had done it once before only to turn around and attempt to catch on with another team last season, this time some took him seriously that he was done with the NFL.
Apparently his unofficial retirement lasted approximately two days.
Update: Two days after announcing his retirement on Twitter (again), free-agent WR Antonio Brown indicates he wants to play in the NFL again, and calls on the league to conclude its personal conduct investigation. pic.twitter.com/DMltK9YYN3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2020
This is not exactly shocking news for those who have spent any time looking at the behavior of Antonio Brown over the last several years. After burning one too many bridges in the Steel City (which is difficult because Pittsburgh is known for its bridges), more and more information began to come to light about Brown‘s behavior with the Steelers. After forcing his way out of town only maneuver a release from the Raiders after hand picking them as his destination, it appeared Brown would never really be happy in any situation in regards to the NFL. Sometimes a person can lose a reasonable grasp of reality to a point where the only thing which is acceptable is the unattainable.
It will be interesting to see if the league has any reason to conclude their investigation into Brown’s conduct and if they would feel the need to offer any sort of suspension without him even being on a team. But with the talent level being undeniable (more on this later today at BTSC), I’m sure some NFL team would consider Brown’s services even knowing a ‘self destruct’ button is part of the package.
As for an explanation into Brown’s recent extremely brief departure from the NFL, it could have something to do with the circumstances surrounding the allegations of sexual misconduct which ultimately led to his release from the New England Patriots after Week 2 of the 2019 season.
A source said Antonio Brown recently got close to settling his case with Britney Taylor and scheduled a mediation but then backed out of it. That's the second time he's gotten close to settling, then publicly hinted at retirement shortly thereafter.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 20, 2020
When it comes to Antonio Brown, it’s really difficult to figure out what’s going to happen next. Chances are, if it involves being in the limelight it is something Brown will make sure comes about. But whether or not we will ever see Brown on an NFL football field again is anybody’s guess.