Antonio Brown, an NFL star known for his dramatic outbreaks and publicity stunts, exemplified true loss of face as he ripped off his pads, jersey and reputation on Jan. 2, 2022, in the Buccaneers games against the Jets. Will he ever play in the league again?
As Brown left the playing field, many thought this would be his last game, but considering the media’s role in the glorification of sports stars, this is unlikely.
For years, the media has blown over disgraceful actions by NFL superstars by making memes or jokes about them. This is exemplified by Kareem Hunt brutally kicking a woman, Marshawn Lynch wrecklessly driving and, now, Brown’s raging scandal mid-game.
For any regular employee of the workforce, all of these things would most likely be cataclysmic for their careers, but football players are constantly given second chances despite their resumes being flooded with criminal charges and bad reputations.
While the majority of bosses would be furious with the actions of such an employee, Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians brushed off the incident regarding Brown’s sudden and disrespectful exit of the franchise in an article. “It was very hard, I wish him well. I hope if he needs help, he gets some. It’s very hard because I do care about him.” He said in a press conference following the game.
Brown is well-known for his dramatic behavior: faking his vaccination card, throwing patio furniture off of his 14-story apartment (nearly hitting a child), and making the opposite of amends with teammates and managers; he does not seem to know his limits. What is to blame for his lack of maturity?
Several heavy blows to the head of Brown have led many to believe his repulsive actions could be a direct result of severe brain damage. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been one of few assumed brain conditions Brown could have suffered during his 12-year career in the league. Whether or not a brain injury is to blame, the mere ignorance of both the league and the media in response to his foolishness is obvious.
In a New York Times article during Brown’s signing with the Bucs in 2020, Arians explained his lack of transparency and respect for legal mistakes Brown makes. “He screws up one time, he’s gone. I don’t think he will because he wants to play,” he said.
This statement demonstrates the absence of morals in the NFL as players continue getting away with scandalous actions and are offered second chances. Although the players offer talent athletically, their ethical representation to both their fanbase and the league is arguably more important.
Just as workers make money showing up on time and doing their job with a high level of respect, professional football players should be expected to do the same.
Senior Barrett Lindmark described his perspective on Brown’s tirade. “I think it is hard to judge what all goes on with players in the NFL especially because the media can only cover so much,” he said. “But what Brown did, despite the situation, was uncalled for and unprofessional for a grown man to do.”
Brown and other NFL players deserve equitable treatment in the workforce and should be held responsible for their impulsive actions and disrespectful attitudes towards the football community. Time will only tell what happens with Brown and whether or not he gets signed to another team. If he does, it will be yet another example of the incompetence of the NFL.
Aidan Judd • Feb 4, 2022 at 10:34 am
Antonio Brown indeed has a terrible reputation across the league. From being benched by the Steelers because he threw a fit after JuJu was named MVP, then being sued for sexual assault, then the fake vaccine card, now storming off the field: he has completely ruined his reputation. This star wide receiver has also ruined his future career which is extremely sad to see such raw talent wasted, along with the respect he had built up for himself and his talent. I’m sure no team will want to have to take responsibility for him and his actions again considering how much of a liability he is.
Ryan Groenenboom • Jan 28, 2022 at 10:28 am
It has been a crazy year in the nfl with the Henry Ruggs thing and now this. It is even funnier that he posted a picture right after this and captioned it super gremlin. I hope we see AB in the nfl again because he is so good he just has off the field issues. He also had that fake vaccine card incident where he got suspended this. Crazy year for the nfl and AB in general.
Colin Meyer • Jan 27, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Antonio Brown has for sure made a name for himself in the NFL, whether that is good or bad. This out burst is not the first for sure, but likely one of his last in the NFL. The media does often blow over disgraceful actions of NFL superstars, how ever, this was all over social media posted by fans attending the game. So many people have seen this it is hard to imagine him ever playing again. There actions are likely due to the fact he has suffered multiple head injuries in his career in the NFL. However, that is no excuse. This is a sad situation indeed, it is hard to see a talented star such as Antonio Brown steer his professional career this way.
Vince T • Jan 25, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Antonio Brown for sure has a crazy history, but despite his controversial actions, the media often does mess with information. Just recently in the past couple months especially seeing memes and jokes about Marshall Lynch and his DUI, and now just the other day Antonio Brown’s tantrum. But that can’t excuse their actions. I would argue that Antonio Brown is easily comparable to Kanye West with his bizarre actions and statements he made. It is most likely to blame his multiple concussions, including the blow that left him laying on the ground. Nonetheless is it sad to see a star like AB depart from the NFL in a strange way.