Getty Oakland Raiders WR Antonio Brown.
Just as it seemed like the Antonio Brown helmet controversy was starting to die down, a new development is starting to take place. Apparently, the Oakland Raiders wide receiver can keep his old style of helmet if he is able to find one that was manufactured in the last decade, according to Pro Football Talk.
The Schutt Air Advantage is the helmet that Brown has worn throughout his whole career and now he’s on the search for one that meets the NFL’s requirements. He’s taken to Twitter to try his luck there.
“I’m looking for a Schutt Air Advantage Adult Large Helmet that was manufactured in 2010 or after. In exchange I will trade a signed practice worn @Raiders helmet.”
“I’m looking for a Schutt Air Advantage Adult Large Helmet that was manufactured in 2010 or after. In exchange I will trade a signed practice worn @Raiders helmet,” said Brown’s tweet.
The funny thing about Brown’s proposition is that it’s highly unlikely that a non-professional football player will have a Schutt Air Advantage helmet laying around. It’s hard to imagine a current or former professional player would want a practice worn Raiders helmet, but who knows?
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Antonio Brown Expected Back at Training Camp
It looks like Brown’s search for the right helmet won’t keep him away from Napa for Raiders training camp. The reports that Brown was going to retire if he couldn’t wear his old helmet seem like they were either untrue, or he did make that threat and was bluffing. According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Brown will be back at Raiders facilities on Tuesday.
Raiders WR Antonio Brown is reporting back to Napa training camp today with helmet grievance determination made, source said. Feet condition not considered a long-term impediment. Ample practice time expected before Week 1.
What’s also promising is that it seems like the foot injury is mostly taken care of. It remains to be seen if he’ll hit the practice field any time soon and it’s very unlikely he’ll suit up for Thursday’s game versus the Arizona Cardinals, but it’s good that he’s back. Him not being around would just cause more drama, so even if he doesn’t practice, the Raiders should be happy he’s around.
Teammates Support Brown
When Antonio Brown decided to release his first statement on the helmet controversy on Monday, he was met with support from his teammates on social media.
“If you don’t stand for something you fall for nothing,” said Gareon Conley commenting on Brown’s Instagram post.
“Let’s get it!” commented quarterback Derek Carr.
Brown also go support from Maxx Crosby and Marcell Ateman. It’s good to see that this controversy isn’t dividing the team. If the Raiders have any chance of making the playoffs in 2019, they’re going to need Brown at his best. He’s the most talented player on the team and when he’s engaged, he’s a good leader. Now, if the report that he’s not engaged in meetings and is already frustrating the team are true, that could lead to much more future drama. If those issues stemmed from his frustrations of not being able to wear his helmet than it could go either way because he didn’t technically win his grievance against the NFL. It will have to be a situation to monitor all season.
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