Antonio Brown Suspended Eight Games

Update:

The NFL has already confirmed the news with the following statement:

“Antonio Brown was notified today by NFL Special Counsel for Conduct Todd Jones that he has been suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2020 season for multiple violations of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.

“Brown, who played one game in the 2019 season for the New England Patriots before being released, is an unrestricted free agent and may sign with any team. If he is signed before the start of the 2020 season, Brown would be eligible to participate in all of his club’s preseason activities. Brown’s suspension would take effect as of the final roster reduction on September 5. He would be eligible to return after the team’s eighth game.

“As part of the discipline, Brown was directed to continue his program of counseling and treatment, and that he is expected fully to cooperate with his clinicians. 

“Brown was advised that any future violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will likely result in more significant discipline.”

Robert Klemko reports that the NFL is suspending free agent WR Antonio Brown eight games for violating the personal conduct policy.

According to Tom Pelissero, Brown’s eight-game suspension takes effect Week 1, regardless of whether he’s on a roster and could be extended if further violations are found related to an ongoing civil suit in Florida.

Pelissero adds that Brown’s next hearing in the civil suit — related to sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations levied by his former trainer — is scheduled for September 15.

Brown took to social media last week to demanded that the NFL conclude their personal conduct investigation.

Teams have reportedly been monitoring the situation involving Brown including the Seahawks and Ravens, so it’s possible that interest in him could pick up during the season now that teams have an idea of how long he’ll be out. 

Brown, 31, is a former sixth-round pick of the Steelers back in 2010. He was in the third year of his five-year, $72.71 million contract when the Steelers traded him to the Raiders back in March. 

The Raiders later signed Brown to a new contract worth $50.125 million and includes $30.125 million guaranteed. However, Oakland made the decision to release Brown before the start of the season and he later signed a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with the Patriots.

Brown lasted just 11 days in New England.  

In 2019, Brown appeared in one game for the Patriots and caught four passes for 56 yards receiving and one touchdown.