After a saga that lasted nearly one year, the NFL has finally come to a decision regarding the playing status of free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown. According to a release from the league, Brown will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2020 season without pay.
The suspension for Brown will reportedly begin Week 1 even if the wideout isn’t on an NFL roster at the time. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Brown’s suspension could also be extended longer if further violations are found.
Antonio 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, per source.
So AB is sidelined at least through Week 8, and potentially longer
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 31, 2020
Antonio Brown's next hearing in the civil suit — related to sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations levied by his former trainer — is scheduled for Sept. 15, shortly after Week 1. https://t.co/FqHeR1YZdo
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 31, 2020
For Antonio Brown, it’s nice to finally get some closure about his status in the league- though he may not be happy about his suspension. Regardless, Brown reportedly doesn’t plan to appeal the league’s decision meaning we could see AB back on the field by Week 9 if no further violations surface.
It remains to be seen whether any team takes a legit shot at bringing Brown in, especially after his behavior over the past year. There’s no doubt that Brown would be an instant difference-maker in a team’s offense, but whether a team is willing to put up with his baggage is still a huge question mark.
