Antonio Brown Moving Toward Grievance Against Raiders?

Antonio Brown looks likely to be in for two grievance battles. The now-twice-released wide receiver unloaded on Patriots owner Robert Kraft last week, and a grievance is expected against that organization. However, the NFLPA is going through scenarios regarding a grievance against the Raiders, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).

The Raiders were the first team to void Brown guarantees, doing so hours before releasing the mercurial superstar. Among the items being considered for a grievance against the Raiders on Brown’s behalf: his 2019 and ’20 base salaries ($14.625MM and $14.5MM, respectively), an unpaid Week 1 salary, three fines levied against him and a $1MM signing bonus, per Fowler.

The NFLPA has yet to file this grievance, and as will be the case in a battle against the Patriots, Brown’s actions while in Oakland — highlighted by missed practices over multiple issues and a confrontation with GM Mike Mayock — will make it a more challenging effort to recoup a significant amount of cash. The $1MM signing bonus may be Brown’s best chance at seeing a seven-figure payment from the Raiders. Brown racked up $215K in fines while with the Silver and Black.

There was offset language in Brown’s Raiders contract, meaning his $10MM Patriots deal would have stood to minimize the Raiders’ commitment. However, with the Pats also voiding Brown’s money, this has become quite the murky situation. The All-Pro talent received nearly $40MM in guarantees from two franchises this year; he has a chance to walk away with very little of that money.

Currently a free agent, Brown has ranged from quitting the NFL altogether to re-enrolling at Central Michigan to suddenly wanting back in the league. Drew Rosenhaus indicated teams are “very interested” in signing Brown, despite an unbelievable run of drama this year, but considering Brown faces multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, it does not appear likely he will play again anytime soon.

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