Antonio Brown - Pro Football Rumors

NFL Suspends Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards

December 2nd, 2021 at 3:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

Not long after a report surfaced indicating Antonio Brown acquired a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, the NFL is suspending the All-Pro talent. The league handed Brown a three-game suspension, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

The NFL also suspended Bucs safety Mike Edwards for COVID-19 protocol violations, per Rapoport. Brown denied using a fake vaccination card, but the NFL determined he did, in fact, do so. Neither player is appealing; both will be out until at least Week 16. The league did not fine the Buccaneers.

This further mars Brown’s first full Bucs season. Tampa Bay gave the All-Decade wideout an opportunity after a turbulent 2019 and an eight-game 2020 suspension, with Tom Brady leading the charge to bring the mercurial superstar into the fold. While Brown has been productive on the field, he has run into myriad issues that have kept him out of games this season. He missed a game while on the COVID-19 list, has missed several due to a troublesome ankle injury and will now be down until late December because of his second NFL ban in just more than a year.

When Brown landed on the COVID list in September, he was treated as a vaccinated player, returning after eight days. Unvaccinated players who test positive must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. The wideout’s lawyer nevertheless released a statement Thursday indicating his client is vaccinated (via Rapoport, on Twitter). Making a fake vaccination card or using one is a felony. Brown’s 2020 suspension stemmed partially from felony burglary conveyance and misdemeanor battery charges.

Brown’s ban also surfaced after Bucs HC Bruce Arians said the team did its due diligence regarding Brown’s vaccination status, via ESPN.com’s Jenna Laine. Arians called the matter a non-story last month, and a Bucs statement read a team investigation did not reveal any irregularities (Twitter link). Arians said in early September the Bucs were a fully vaccinated team, but the November report contradicted that status. Given Arians’ initial hesitancy regarding a reunion with Brown last year, this is obviously not a good look for the 12th-year wide receiver or the team.

Brown, 33, was set to miss at least two more games because of the ankle injury he has battled for much of the season. The timing of this suspension does not stand to hurt the Bucs much, though it may affect Brown’s post-2021 future with the franchise. Brown re-signed with the Bucs on a one-year deal in May. The former Steelers dynamo was on pace for another 1,000-yard season, having caught 29 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns in five games. But he will finish shy of that mark for a third straight year.

A former third-round Bucs pick, Edwards has worked as a backup safety for most of his career. The third-year cover man did post a rare two-pick-six game in Tampa Bay’s first meeting with Atlanta. He will miss the Bucs’ rematch with the Falcons, along with games against the Bills and Saints. Edwards has played in all 11 Bucs games this season.

The NFL also suspended free agent defensive back John Franklin III, who was with Tampa Bay this offseason. The Bucs waived him in August. Franklin also received a three-game ban.

Buccaneers’ Antonio Brown To Miss Time

December 1st, 2021 at 2:40pm CST by Zachary Links

Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown will miss at least two weeks as he rests his sprained ankle (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Brown, who suffered his injury way back in Week 6, will try to return after sitting out games against the Falcons and Bills.

Brown also missed eight games in 2020, his inaugural season with the Buccaneers. In his five games played this year, Brown has registered 29 catches for 418 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite Brown’s lengthy absence, Tampa Bay’s offense has been as prolific as expected, leading the league in both points (31.5) and passing yards (315.5) per game.

The earliest Brown is likely to return will be in Week 15, when the Bucs host the Saints on Sunday night.

Latest On Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown

November 27th, 2021 at 9:14am CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like Antonio Brown‘s return from an ankle injury is imminent. While the veteran wideout has already been ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the Colts, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told reporters that he’s hopeful Brown will be back next weekend against the Falcons.

“He’s moving around a lot better,” Arians said (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Twitter). “He’s able to put more weight on the heel and bounce around on it some. We’ve got our fingers crossed.”

Brown suffered the injury way back in Week 6. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), doctors initially believed the injury would take about six weeks to recover. That timeline would line up with a Week 13 return. However, Greg Auman of The Athletic cautions (on Twitter) that Brown didn’t suffer a typical ankle injury. This sprain was closer to the heel, making it harder to anticipate a return date. We’ll likely get more clarity when the Buccaneers return to practice next week.

Brown, 33, has 29 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns in five games.The Buccaneers offense has been fine without the talented (and controversial) receiver, but Tom Brady and Co. will surely welcome back the veteran.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown Accused Of Using Fake Vaccination Card

November 18th, 2021 at 6:02pm CST by Ben Levine

Antonio Brown is in hot water once again. The receiver’s former live-in chef told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card to avoid the NFL’s protocols.

According to screenshots obtained by Stroud, Brown’s girlfriend texted the chef offering $500 for a fake vaccination card. The chef was unable to complete the request, but he claims Brown showed off his fake card weeks later. A picture of the card was later sent by Tom Brady/TB12 guru (and trainer) Alex Guerrero to Buccaneers head trainer Bobby Slater for documenting, with neither individual being aware of the card’s lack of authenticity. It’s also worth noting that Brown and the chef had a falling out due to unpaid debts.

“After an extensive educational process conducted throughout our organization this past offseason highlighting the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, we received completed vaccination cards from all Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and submitted the required information to the NFL through the established process in accordance with league policy,” the Buccaneers said in a statement. “All vaccination cards were reviewed by Buccaneers personnel and no irregularities were observed.”

Brown’s lawyer denied the allegations.

“Antonio Brown appreciates the severity of the pandemic, which is why he got the vaccine and supports everyone for whom it is advisable to get the vaccine,” Sean Burstyn said. “Coronavirus has hit close to home as it took him out of a game. He is healthy, vaccinated, and ready to win another Super Bowl…One of the worst parts of the pandemic has been a movement to cast doubt on our country’s vaccination programs with baseless, vindictive tabloid gossip.”

NFL’s VP of communications Brian McCarthy told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the league is “aware of the report and have been in contact with the club” (Twitter link). The NFL is also reviewing the matter.

These are some pretty serious allegations, and the matter would be reviewed under the NFL’s personal conduct policy (per Auman). The fake vaccination card could also be “handled as a federal criminal offense.” For comparison’s sake, in the NHL, San Jose Sharks star Evander Kane was suspended a quarter of the season for using a fake card. The NFL previously handed out fines to the Packers organization and Aaron Rodgers following an investigation into their handling of COVID-19 protocols. Brown also isn’t a stranger to league discipline; he was suspended eight games last season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Brown missed a game earlier this season after testing positive for COVID-19, and per Auman, Brown had to deal with the 10-day waiting period reserved for unvaccinated players (vs. vaccinated players, who need to be asymptomatic and return two negative tests 24 hours apart).

Injury Notes: Murray, Ravens, WFT, Rams

November 1st, 2021 at 7:23pm CST by Ben Levine

Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison landed on the reserve/non-football Injury list today after being shot in the leg by a stray bullet, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

The 23-year-old was shot outside of a Cleveland nightclub on Sunday night. According to the report, Harrison was struck by a stray bullet; four men were arrested following the shooting, and it sounds like Harrison was an innocent bystander. The linebacker suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a Cleveland hospital. The Ravens were on their bye week, and Harrison was scheduled to return to Baltimore today.

“I don’t think it’s severe at all,” said coach John Harbaugh. “I’m optimistic that it’s going to be OK … Happy that he’s OK and very grateful that he’s OK and not hurt worse. Anything can happen. It’s just a tough situation.”

Harrison was placed on NFI, meaning he’ll have to sit out three games before he can return to practice.

More injury notes from around the NFL:

Kyler Murray was seen limping after tossing a game-deciding interception late during the Cardinals loss to the Packers. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like the quarterback suffered a serious injury. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that Murray suffered a sprained ankle that could take one to three weeks to get better (h/t to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com). However, if swelling goes down, the QB could be good to go for Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Washington Football Team starting center Chase Roullier suffered a fractured left fibula during yesterday’s loss to the Broncos, reports Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post (via Twitter). Roullier is set to get a second opinion on Tuesday, but the initial diagnosis could be hinting at a season-ending injury. The 2017 sixth-round pick has spent his entire career with Washington, and he’s started all 54 of his appearances over the past three-plus seasons.
Rams rookie receiver Tutu Atwell will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, head coach Sean McVay told reporters (via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry on Twitter). The second-round pick has seen time in seven games this season, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams. He’s returned 10 punts for 54 yards and five kicks for 87 yards.
The Buccaneers are getting healthier. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets that wideout Antonio Brown will likely return after the team’s bye. The veteran has missed the past two games while dealing with foot and heel injuries. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting are also recovering well from their respect injuries and could be back on the field for Week 10.

Antonio Brown Facing Extended Absence?

October 27th, 2021 at 12:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

The ankle injury that kept Antonio Brown out of the Buccaneers’ Week 7 game could sideline him for a while. Brown was spotted using a crutch Wednesday, and Bruce Arians said the injury could be “more long-term.” (Twitter links via The Athletic’s Greg Auman).

Being iffy on Brown returning immediately after the Bucs’ Week 9 bye, Arians essentially confirmed the team does not expect him for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. An IR move would shelve Brown until Week 12. Brown is dealing with an ankle sprain near his heel, Arians said. As of now, the Bucs are not considering a Brown IR stay, Auman tweets.

This would be Brown’s first multigame injury-related absence since December 2017, when a partially torn calf sustained against the Patriots sidelined him for the Steelers’ final two regular-season games. Although Brown missed most of the 2019 and ’20 seasons due to off-field issues, he has not run into much injury trouble. A COVID-19 contraction and this ankle malady have interfered with what has otherwise looked like a Brown bounce-back season.

Brown, 33, has 29 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns in five games. The Bucs played without Brown and Rob Gronkowski in Week 7, having no issue doing so in beating the Bears 38-3. Gronkowski also returned to practice Wednesday, marking a sign he is on track to return after a four-game absence.

Bucs’ Antonio Brown To Miss Week 7

October 22nd, 2021 at 12:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Buccaneers will be without both their Tom Brady hired guns Sunday. In addition to Rob Gronkowski‘s fourth absence this season, Antonio Brown will not play in Week 7.

Bruce Arians confirmed the Bucs ruled out Brown for their Bears matchup. An ankle injury kept Brown off the practice field this week. This will be Brown’s second absence this season. He missed Week 3 because of a positive COVID-19 test but returned the following week.

Despite missing the bulk of the past two seasons, Brown has re-emerged as one of the NFL’s top receivers this year. He has posted two 100-yard games and over the past two weeks has hauled in 16 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. The 33-year-old target is well on his way to an eighth 1,000-yard season. With Brown and Scotty Miller sidelined, second-year receiver Tyler Johnson (seven catches, 110 yards this season) will be positioned as a bigger part of the Bucs’ offense.

Tampa Bay will also be without Lavonte David and Richard Sherman against Chicago. Gronkowski is still recovering from the rib injury he suffered in Week 3. The Bucs elected not to place Gronk on IR.

Buccaneers Activate Antonio Brown Off Reserve/COVID-19 List

September 30th, 2021 at 4:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

Antonio Brown will join Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in returning to New England this week. The Buccaneers activated their high-profile No. 3 wide receiver Thursday.

A positive COVID-19 test landed Brown on the Bucs’ virus list ahead of their Week 3 Rams tilt. Brown is vaccinated, as the Bucs’ team rate hit 100%, making for a quicker return for the 12th-year veteran. Brown’s return comes shortly after the Bucs lost No. 4 wideout Scotty Miller to an injury, one that will keep him out a while.

Brown played in Week 1 for the first time since 2018 but has missed the past three Week 3s. The Patriots signed the mercurial receiver shortly after the Raiders cut him ahead of the 2019 season and used him in Week 2 of that year. But a report of Brown sending intimidating text messages to a woman who’d accused him of sexual misconduct led the Patriots to cut him after less than two weeks.

Brown, 33, will now return to Foxborough with fellow ex-Patriots Brady and Gronkowski, though Brown’s trip back to Massachusetts will be obviously overshadowed. This game will be Brown’s first against one of the three teams that parted ways with him in 2019. The Bucs do not play the Steelers or Raiders this season. Thanks to a strong season opener, Brown has six receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown this year.

Bucs Place Antonio Brown On COVID-19 List

September 22nd, 2021 at 11:57am CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers have placed Antonio Brown on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Given the timing, it’s unlikely that Brown will be available for this week’s game against the Rams.

Brown tested positive for COVID-19, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The standout receiver is vaccinated and could return by submitting two negative tests 24 hours apart. Still, it is unlikely Brown will be able to return to the team for its Los Angeles trip.

Brown becomes the third Bucs player to hit the reserve/COVID-19 list, following inside linebacker Kevin Minter and practice squad receiver Travis Jonsen. Punt returner Jaydon Mickens (hip) could also be sidelined, leaving the Bucs with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, and Tyler Johnson at WR. Fourth-round pick Jaelen Darden could be activated to make it five and serve as the team’s return man on Sunday.

Brown started the year off with a boom, notching five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys. He was less of a factor last week (one catch for 17 yards), but the Bucs still cruised to a 48-25 win over the Falcons. From this point, Brown’s timetable will hinge on his test results and vaccination status. If he’s ruled out for Sunday as expected, he could still return in time for Week 4 against the Patriots.

The 33-year-old is looking to expand on his monster debut season in Tampa. In just eight regular-season games last year, the multiple-time All-Pro registered 45 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns.

NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Toney, Bears

July 5th, 2021 at 7:47pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Most of the talk about Cowboys quarterbacks this offseason has understandably revolved around Dak Prescott, his new contract, and his comeback from a devastating ankle injury. But flying a bit under the radar is the team’s unsettled backup QB situation. Last year the team had an established veteran backup in Andy Dalton, who ended up becoming the starter when Prescott went down. Dalton is off in Chicago now, leaving Dallas with very little on the depth chart. The team currently has only Garrett Gilbert, Cooper Rush, and Ben DiNucci behind Prescott.

Rush has thrown three career passes, and DiNucci (a 2020 seventh-rounder) and Gilbert have each made one start. That’s led to some speculation the Cowboys could add a veteran backup. Barring a bigger name veteran addition, Gilbert is currently the “favorite” to backup Prescott in 2021, Rob Phillips of the team’s official site writes. Phillips frames it as a battle between Gilbert and Rush without even mentioning DiNucci, who was disastrous in his lone 2020 start in primetime against the Eagles. Gilbert almost led Dallas to an upset victory over the Steelers in his one start last year, and was a star in the ill-fated AAF.

Here’s more from around the NFC as we kickoff the new week and continue to await training camps:

Elsewhere in the NFC East, it sounds like the Giants are scheming up various ways to get Kadarius Toney involved as a rookie. New York has Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton already at receiver, so it might be hard for the 20th overall pick of this past draft to get heavy targets right away. That doesn’t mean Toney won’t get touches. The Giants are “motivated to get the ball in his hands, whether it’s out of the backfield, on jet sweeps, screen passes or maybe in the Wildcat formation,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com writes. Raanan writes they want him to be a year-one factor, and that “they believe the best way to make that happen is to tap into his versatility.” In other words, use him as a gadget player. The Florida product should be fun to watch.
Heading down to the NFC South, Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown may have just had his probation terminated early to close his previous criminal case, but he still has civil case headaches to deal with. In addition to a lawsuit from a truck driver alleging assault that came in mid-May, Brown was apparently hit with another lawsuit later that month. This time, it’s from a sports marketing company alleging that Brown didn’t pay them commission on $2MM in earnings they got him, Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The company, KCB Marketing, is seeking over $100K in damages.