Antonio Brown is understood to be gearing up to file a record nine grievances against the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders.
The wide receiver managed to get himself cut by two teams in the space of around two weeks back in September, but he’s now looking to get paid. According to ESPN, the 31-year-old, who says he will never play in the NFL again, is hoping to snag as much of the $61-plus million he believes he is owned by both teams.
Brown was released by the Raiders after plenty of summer controversy – including a confrontation with general manager MikeMayock, the releasing of audio from a private phone call between himself and coach John Gruden, and missing practice. He asked the team to let him go early last month and they obliged just hours before his 2019 salary would have been guaranteed.
The seven-time Pro Bowl star would agree to a one-year deal with the Patriots the same day Oakland released him. The contract was worth up to $15 million and came with a $9 million signing bonus; the team later added a second-year player option that would be worth $20 million if picked up. However, following mounting allegations of sexual and personal misconduct, plus his sending of intimidating text messages to one of his accusers, he was released by the Pats as well.
ESPN has reported that Brown is still expecting to get paid by both teams and is the first player in league history poised to file nine grievances and appeals during the same time period.
The grievances and appeals are as follows:
• Fine appeals with the Oakland Raiders: $215,000
• Salary guarantees with Oakland: $29 million
• Signing bonus with Raiders: $1 million
• Oakland’s unpaid Week 1 salary: $860,000
• New England Patriots’ salary guarantee: $1 million
• Patriots signing bonus: $9 million
• Patriots’ unpaid Week 3 salary: $64,000
• Patriots’ option year in 2020: $20 million
Additionally, Brown could file an appeal if the NFL opts to suspend him. That would make him the first player in history to have nine different appeals all stemming from the same season.
Meanwhile, the Pats have maintained a perfect record so far this term, winning all four of the games. They’re set to play the Washington Redskins on Sunday and are 1/9 favorites to win with William Hill while Bet365 is offering 25/4 odds on a win for their opponents. Fans can take advantage of sportsbook reviews, tips, as well as find the best NFL odds, on canadiansportsbetting.ca.
Bill Belichick’s Patriots are also favorites to win the Super Bowl in February following their triumph last season. Ladbrokes has 3/1 odds on offer as it pertains to the side’s chances of conquering the NFL yet again. The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t very far behind at 5/1 with Paddy Power and hope to ride Patrick Mahomes’ arm all the way to the end.
Brown, though, remains an unrestricted free agent and is eligible to sign with any team. However, the league is investigating the accusations made against him while there’s also the personal claim that he will never suit up for another NFL team again.
