Antonio Brown's career with the Raiders ended today, as the team announced that it has released him.
Remember that whole video Brown posted late Friday night about how he's done with the games, and didn't understand why people were questioning his desire to be a Raider?
The video only had a shelf life of about 11 hours, because on Saturday morning Brown took to Instagram to ask for a release.
Brown posted a picture of a quote that said, "You are going to piss a lot of people off when you start doing what's best for you." In the caption, he wrote the following:
"And that’s fine ! I have worked my whole life to prove that the system is blind to see talent like mines. Now that everyone sees it, they want me to conform to that same system that has failed me all those years. 'I’m not mad at anyone. I’m just asking for the freedom to prove them all wrong.' Release me @raiders #NOMore #theyputblindersonahorseforareason #NoMoreFake"
The key line there is the "Release me, Raiders" at the end.
It was a request Oakland management honored just hours later.
Why the sudden change of heart? Adam Schefter explained:
By fining Antonio Brown $215,073.53 last night for conduct detrimental to the team on Sept. 4, the Raiders voided the $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money in his deal, per league sources.
This could help explain why Brown is now asking the Raiders for his release.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2019
In addition to fining Antonio Brown $215,073.53 for conduct detrimental to the team that voided $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money in his contract, the Raiders sent Brown a letter that he no longer will be entitled to termination pay if they release him, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2019
ESPN's Jeff Darlington heard directly from Brown:
I just got an email from Antonio Brown. He tells me the team “took away my guarantees.” He added there’s “no way I play after they took that and made my contract week to week.” So at this moment, once again, don’t expect AB to play on Monday Night Football.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) September 7, 2019
Shortly before noon, the Raiders granted Brown his wish:
The Raiders have released WR Antonio Brown from the team today.
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) September 7, 2019
Jon Gruden addressed the media after the move:
"I'm really proud of our players, our coaches, our owner, our front office. We did everything we could to make this work. ... I wish Antonio nothing but the best." pic.twitter.com/eEpi4bv9i1
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) September 7, 2019
