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Despite all the drama, it seems like Antonio Brown will play for the Raiders this season after all.
Earlier this week, Brown got into a heated confrontation with GM Mike Mayock after Mayock fined him for skipping a few practices during training camp.
Antonio Brown was unhappy about being fined and had an exchange with #Raiders general manager Mike Mayock on Wednesday. He was held back by a couple of teammates, sources said, and is now facing a team suspension.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 5, 2019
More on #Raiders WR Antonio Brown and Mike Mayock yesterday: It did not get physical, sources say. But after a screaming match, Brown told Mayock that he would hit him in the face and then punted the ball… and said, Fine me for that. 💸💸💸
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2019
Today we learned that Brown went as far as to call Mayock a “cracker” during the confrontation.
Via ESPN
A Raiders source confirmed Brown was unhappy with the fine levied by the team and, seeing Mayock watching practice, walked over and initiated an exchange with the GM. The Raiders source confirmed information from another league source who said Brown called Mayock a “cracker” and unleashed a barrage of “cuss words” during the altercation.
The team source said Mayock tried to keep his cool and defuse the situation.
“[Mayock] was like, ‘I’m cool, I understand your displeasure,'” the source said. “[Mayock] sort of just like … just walked away because he saw it escalate.”
The source stressed the confrontation escalated quickly, but it never appeared to be getting physical, and players, including linebacker Vontaze Burfict, attempted to separate Brown from the situation in order to calm him down.
That led to the team planning to suspend Brown, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Brown eventually issued an emotional apology to Mayock and the team for his tirade.
Source: #Raiders WR Antonio Brown just issued “an emotional apology” at a team meeting this morning, just now, “with team captains standing with him.”
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 6, 2019
Apparently, AB’s apology worked because head coach Jon Gruden announced that Brown would play in the team’s week 1 game vs the Broncos on Monday Night.
#Raiders coach Jon Gruden now confirms: WR Antonio Brown won’t be suspended and will play Monday night. Quite a 24 hours.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2019
Statement from #Raiders HC Jon Gruden: “Antonio is back today. We’re excited about that. Ready to move on.” Gruden says the plan is to have Antonio Brown play on Monday @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/UCq1n1JPUZ
— MJ Acosta-Ruiz (@MJAcostaTV) September 6, 2019
Update: Antonio Brown addressed the situation after today’s practice.
#Raiders WR Antonio Brown “I’m excited to be out here with my team. I apologized to my teammates. Enough talk.” @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/N6otdQx9FT
— MJ Acosta-Ruiz (@MJAcostaTV) September 6, 2019
What a crazy week.