Buccaneers’ Bruce Arians: ‘Antonio Brown is no longer a Buc’

Antonia Brown out for good

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a breakdown during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets in the third quarter. He departed the field, accompanied by head coach Bruce Arians. Not long after the game Arians expressed that he is currently not affiliated with our team.

Video of Antonio Brown leaving the field after taking off his jersey and shirt and throw it into the stands. pic.twitter.com/1hwNYei5Fq

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 2, 2022

After the Buccaneers’ triumphant 28 24 win against the New York Jets. Arians gracefully proclaimed, “He is no longer a Buc.” “That’s it. Let’s focus on the players who went out there and won the game.”

Bruce Arians answered questions about Antonio Brown during his press conference today.

📰 More: https://t.co/9TZASoGSNw pic.twitter.com/vsAcQPjtoC

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 3, 2022

Arians seemed fed up with the entire situation. When he was for more details on what transpired on the sideline and his departure, Arians responded, “I’m not talking about him. He’s no longer part of the Bucs.”

According to ESPN, sources said Brown was not benched. In fact, “he quit,” the source said. Brown also didn’t fly home with the team charter, according to the Buccaneers.

Details of the incident on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ sideline

Several teammates tried to restrain and calm Brown down before the outburst occurred. Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans and tight end O.J. Howard had no luck trying to calm the Future Hall of Famer down. Brown proceeded to take much of his gear off and throw some garments into the stans with the fans as he waved goodbye.

Many were confused by the actions of Brown, but primarily the security guards were the most shocked. Metlife security primarily believed Brown to be a fan who leaped on top of the field to disrupt the game.

According to a security official it was initially believed that he intended to jump. This official went on to mention that Brown approached state troopers as he entered the tunnel and requested a ride to the airport. However. They politely declined his request by telling him. “No.”

According to the security officer. It was observed that Mr. Brown was not wearing a shirt and unfortunately did not have his wallet in his possession. Additionally it was reported that Mr. Brown managed to change his attire in the locker room and arranged for alternate transportation to the airport.

Arians explained in the post-game interview that he was trying to get Brown to go into the game. However, Brown refused twice. Arians then followed by telling him “get out.” As a result, Brown began taking off his equipment: “Never seen anything like that in all my years.”

He later added that he wasn’t sure why Brown didn’t want to return to the game. Many thought Brown was nursing an ankle injury and that may affect his return, Arians responded, “No.”

Tom Brady response to Antonio Brown’s actions

Unfortunately, at this point in the game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were down 24-10. Brady was down pretty much all of his weapons and with 21 seconds remaining in the game, he was able to throw a laser to Cyril Grayson for the lead.

Brady addressed the entire debacle as a “difficult situation” with Brown. He was notified of the dismissal of Brown after the game, per ESPN.

Antonio Brown literally quit on Tom Brady in the middle of a game

I absolutely didn’t expect this reaction of immediate sympathy

who knows what AB is going thru but credit to Brady, this level of empathy & humanity in the moment is impressive pic.twitter.com/jl3sL8sCqL

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 2, 2022

This is also the last straw for Brown, he was just accepted back to the team last week after his vaccination card scandal.

“We all love him and care about him deeply. We want to see him at his best. Sadly, he won’t be part of our team anymore,” Brady said, mentioning that he will maintain his friendship with Brown and encourage others to support him.

“I believe it’s important for everyone to show compassion and empathy towards the challenging situations,” Brady expressed.

Le’Veon Bell, a running back and former teammate of Brown, shared similar sentiments. Bell recently joined the Bucs following Leonard Fournette’s season-ending injury.

“I found out after the game when we gathered in the locker room,” Bell shared. “I immediately sent him a text to touch base with him quickly. He responded, and we talked. He’s still one of my closest friends. You won’t hear me speaking negatively about AB at all. Sure, things happen, but he’s a close teammate and an overall good person. Sometimes, he makes poor choices, but he’s human and not perfect. We’ll move forward without him and continue progressing.

“It’s difficult. I was glad to be back with him, even though it was only for two games. Ultimately, I wish him the best in life beyond football, whatever he chooses to do next.”