Antonio Brown recently demanded that the league resolve its investigation into his alleged off-field incidents, and on Friday the NFL responded.
The NFL announced it has suspended the free-agent wide receiver eight games for multiple violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy.
Brown's suspension stems from his no contest plea to burglary and battery charges from a January incident in Florida, and accusations he sent intimidating texts to a woman who accused the receiver of making past unwanted advances toward her.
Brown's agent Ed Wasielewski confirmed that Brown has accepted his suspension and won't appeal, and added that Brown "is excited to resume his outstanding football career and is looking forward to playing in the 2020 season."
In a statement later obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Brown's attorney Carson Hancock echoed Wasielewski's comments, saying: “Today, the NFL announced that our client, Antonio Brown, will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2020 season. Mr. Brown respects the NFL’s decision, and is looking forward as he focuses on joining the right organization to play for this upcoming year. Mr. Brown has been working hard both on and off the field to be the best possible teammate and player he can be. He is grateful for the opportunity to return to the football field and to compete at the highest level.”
A.B. took to Instagram Friday night to complete the trifecta by expressing his desire to improve in all areas. The caption, which accompanied a picture of Brown in Patriots threads, read:
"I look forward to new beginnings. I want to be the best version of myself on and off the field, and I will do my best to be a great teammate. I appreciate the NFL giving me the opportunity to continue to work on myself and improve. I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity to play a game that I truly love and I look forward to joining a new team soon. Thank you to my family and all those that have supported me. I will show the fans my appreciation for this second chance by having the best season of my career. #AB2.0 #Himmothy"
Currently a free agent, Brown's suspension takes effect Week 1, regardless of whether he's on a roster. Brown has been without a team since he was released by the New England Patriots after appearing in just one game for them in 2019.
He could return after Week 8 if signed, but his suspension could be extended if further violations are found related to an ongoing civil suit in Florida, Pelissero added. The league is also looking into civil claims of sexual assault and rape against the 32-year-old receiver.
As part of the discipline, Brown has been "directed to continue his program of counseling and treatment," and "he is expected to fully cooperate with his clinicians," per the NFL's release.
Brown's story has been of nothing but tumult in the last couple of years, with the receiver forcing his way out of Pittsburgh via trade to the Raiders, suffering a foot injury as a result of an issue with cryotherapy, refusing to participate for the Raiders on the grounds of an issue with his helmet, then ultimately forcing his way out of the franchise via release.
Brown's time with New England was over before it really began, and he's since vacillated between claims of retirement and a path toward returning. He'll begin the 2020 season unable to participate, though it remains interesting to see whether a team will take a chance on him now or at some point during the 2020 season.