Antonio Brown’s Future Plans in the NFL Amid Investigations

Antonio Brown had quite possibly the most hectic month out of any professional athlete in recent sports history. From both the NFL Raiders and Patriots releasing Brown in just one month to allegedly causing damage to a luxury apartment in Miami, Brown’s social and athletic life has changed dramatically. As a result, his actions and attitude raise the question of what comes next for Brown’s football career in the NFL.  

In early September, the Oakland Raiders removed Brown from the team — at his request — prior to the start of the season due to an altercation with general manager Mike Mayock and other issues that occurred  during the team’s pre-season training. 

Just hours after his release, the Patriots signed Brown on their team on a one-year contract. However, Brown’s career on the Patriots lasted just two weeks as the team let him go due to multiple accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior, including rape. Brown denied all accusations, and charges for the 2017 accusation were dropped because the two-year statute of limitations for such offenses had expired. 

Brown addressed his release from  the Patriots in a Twitter statement on September 20.

“Thank you for the opportunity @Patriots #GoWinIt,” Brown said. Later in the week, Brown stated in another Twitter statement “I’m still the best why stop now [sic].” 

Now, based on his statements, it seems like Brown wants to get back on the field.

Despite the allegations, Brown could still have a future in the NFL according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus spoke on Brown’s future in the NFL on Warren Sapp’s “99 Problems” podcast last week. 

“I have had discussions with a few teams that are very interested in him and want to know about his future and what’s going on with the NFL,” Rosenhaus said. “Hopefully when that is all resolved, Antonio will be able to continue his Hall of Fame career.”

The conclusions from the investigation into Brown’s actions will most likely determine Brown’s fate as an athlete. However, as of now, Brown’s future as a player with the NFL remains unknown.

Miami Palmetto Senior High football coach Mike Manasco, who has worked with the team since 2009, spoke out regarding Antonio Brown’s future as a professional athlete.

“[In pro football] it is a privilege, not a right to play,” Manasco said. “So the way you act and the way you do things shows whether you have that privilege to play or not going to play as one of the best players in the world.”