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On New Year’s Eve the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette released a bombshell report that revealed that Antonio Brown had gone AWOL from the team and skipped several practices after a heated confrontation with QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Several sources said the Steelers’ decision to not play Brown against the Bengals had nothing to do with any type of knee injury.
The disagreement occurred Wednesday morning during a routine walk-through practice that precedes their regular afternoon practice on the South Side. Brown became disgusted and threw a football in anger at one of his teammates, several sources said.
After that, Brown did not practice the rest of the week. According to a source, it was Brown’s decision not to practice with his teammates.
According to several sources, Brown showed up at Heinz Field expecting to play against the Bengals. That surprised several players, including one who called the situation “embarrassing” and “the worst I’ve seen.” That player said the entire situation and the way it was handled affected his desire to play in the game.
The altercation that led Antonio Brown's benching last week was with Ben Roethlisberger. Im told it was fairly ugly and the WR was totally in the wrong. He went AWOL essentially for the 3rd time this season dating back to training camp
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 31, 2018
It would later be reported that Brown had requested to be traded by the team.
Antonio Brown has requested a trade. Im told it was not a demand but he has asked to be dealt. Very unlikely Rooney would capitulate. Brown has issues with Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger. Feels like the coach is too aligned with the QB.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 1, 2019
Today, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin spoke with the media about Brown’s absence and did confirm that the Steelers wide receiver went AWOL on Friday afternoon.
Mike Tomlin on Antonio Brown: standing by AB saying he had soreness in feet, ankle and knee last Wednesday. Gave him that day off.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
More Tomlin on Antonio Brown: Wanted to "leave the light on" for the game. After Friday, it became difficult to communicate with him. Wasn't able to talk to him Friday or Saturday. Wasn't there Saturday and "it became altogether different"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Agent Drew Rosenhaus talked to MIke Tomlin Sunday and said AB was ready to play. Tomlin told him that's not how decisions are made. "I head he left the stadium, I don't confirm that" because he wasn't sure
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
Mike Tomlin: "He was absent due to injury and lack of communication."
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 2, 2019
During Tomlin’s press conference Brown tweeted out a quote about being able to utilize his “free will”.
Happy New Year. Be great. pic.twitter.com/QLna1LRncL
— AB (@AB84) January 2, 2019
Steelers fans weren’t pleased with Brown’s tweet.
https://twitter.com/DeniseMarie726/status/1080516324328124416
https://twitter.com/ElizabethKing/status/1080518203149819904
Take charge, grow up and be a team player. That’s how a real man becomes great.
— Michele 🌈 (@CausesUsToHope) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/herbjacksonjr/status/1080519158360563712E
— Steve (@sarcasticrye81) January 2, 2019
You aren't utilizing your free will with regards decision making very well. Please grow up, be humble and be truly great!!
— DrakeTwins (@drake_twins) January 2, 2019