WR Antonio Brown, FA (5 Viewers)

[Csonka4life]

In the NBA? Yeah.

Not to hijack this wonderful thread but he is from Texas and Black people from Texas especially rural areas listen to country music and some are real cowboys, farm hands, farmers.   Wikapedia lists him from Houston but he could be from the outskirts or grew up in Plano or a place like that.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Probably not possible. I wonder how many players threaten other players in the heat of the moment?

Players fight in camp all the time and even a “good guy” like Tom Brady have had heated arguments with coaches.

 

[-X-]

For a guy who calls other people ignorant, it's quite ironic that you botched the origins of the word "cracker".

It had nothing to do with oppression or race -- not originally, at least.

Originally, a "craker" or "crake" was a person who was cocky and arrogant (but also uneducated and ill-mannered). By the 1700s, the word was being used to describe certain settlers in the south -- not because they were oppressive slaveholders, but because they were poor, dumb, and obnoxious.

Later on, the term was also used to describe people who cracked a whip.......but it still wasn't a reference to slavery. It was actually a reference to the fact that these people were often so poor that the only job they could get was a cattle driver or some other menial task involving beasts of burden.

So, the word is certainly an insult, but unlike the n-word it does not have racist origins.

npr.org has an informative article as well.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/07/01/197644761/word-watch-on-crackers

 

[JoeSteeler]

Really can't see this working out for long...AB needs to be the man and too many good pass catchers in NE

 

[Black and Gold]

Really can't see this working out for long...AB needs to be the man and too many good pass catchers in NE

The one motivation I can see for AB would be....this could be the single biggest way to stick it to the Steelers. And Belichick knows this.

 

[mashedbananas]

So a question regarding NFL rules....maybe it was already answered and if it was i apologize 

My understanding is that AB is not officially on the roster for week 1.  Does that mean that the Patriots can cut him later this year and he would not be eligible for termination pay?

And do we know when his signing bonus is actually paid?  Could his signing bonus be slated to be paid week 10, or week 17 etc?  And if it is paid later in the season, and he is cut before then, would he still get it?

I am wondering if the Patriots built in something to protect themselves/motivate AB

 

[Otis]

Really can't see this working out for long...AB needs to be the man and too many good pass catchers in NE

Could have said the same thing about Moss at one point.  It worked.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Could have said the same thing about Moss at one point.  It worked.

Moss was humbled when he got to NE.  He had a few bad seasons.  AB is coming in chock full of ego.  If Gruden couldn't get him to play coaching "nicely", and we already know how he reacted to Tomlin's tough love.  I don't see it lasting 2 weeks.  

 

[lod001]

Moss was humbled when he got to NE.  He had a few bad seasons.  AB is coming in chock full of ego.  If Gruden couldn't get him to play coaching "nicely", and we already know how he reacted to Tomlin's tough love.  I don't see it lasting 2 weeks.  

They will put up with it as long as it doesn't interfere with the goal. The SB victory and secondary, the perfect season.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

They will put up with it as long as it doesn't interfere with the goal. The SB victory and secondary, the perfect season.

We are talking about the Patriots. There is a reason they are on top.  They don't "put up with it".  You either follow the "Patriot Way" or you go on your way.  Talk to the players.  No one in that locker room is treated any differently from anyone else.  TB included. 

 

[theplayer11]

Moss was humbled when he got to NE.  He had a few bad seasons.  AB is coming in chock full of ego.  If Gruden couldn't get him to play coaching "nicely", and we already know how he reacted to Tomlin's tough love.  I don't see it lasting 2 weeks.  

my hunch, works the whole season.

 

[ponchsox]

Moss was humbled when he got to NE.  He had a few bad seasons.  AB is coming in chock full of ego.  If Gruden couldn't get him to play coaching "nicely", and we already know how he reacted to Tomlin's tough love.  I don't see it lasting 2 weeks.  

I don’t think so. Drama queens like AB tend to fall in line when the are led by an alpha male like Belichick.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

my hunch, works the whole season.

Bill Belichek.  First time he misses a walk through, he will get benched and fined. First time he "tweets", he will get benched and fined.  The culture in NE is a culture of accountability.  

Albert Haynesworth.  Chad Ochocinco.  They were reclaimation projects that didn't work.  For every Randy Moss and Corey Dillon there is a Michael Floyd.

This is the last stop for AB.  One way or the other.

It is easy (?) to forget AB has been behaving irrationally.  I don't think that he had this planned out.  Oakland could have screwed him, but did the "right" thing.  

It will play out in front of us publicly, but I don't think a leopard changes its spots so easily.    

 

[Elevencents]

We are talking about the Patriots. There is a reason they are on top.  They don't "put up with it".  You either follow the "Patriot Way" or you go on your way.  Talk to the players.  No one in that locker room is treated any differently from anyone else.  TB included. 

Agree with this. But at the same time I think he makes it the whole season in NE. Hopefully this isn’t an ongoing saga and it’s just football from here on out. It’s surprising that the two biggest spotlights are on NE players when they are ones, like you said, that expect you to either shape up or ship out. 

 

[theplayer11]

Bill Belichek.  First time he misses a walk through, he will get benched and fined. First time he "tweets", he will get benched and fined.  The culture in NE is a culture of accountability.  

Albert Haynesworth.  Chad Ochocinco.  They were reclaimation projects that didn't work.  For every Randy Moss and Corey Dillon there is a Michael Floyd.

This is the last stop for AB.  One way or the other.   

disagree again, if the Pats cut hin there will still be plenty of teams lining up to get him

 

[[icon]]

Yeah, a black man makes a big deal out of it and a white guy doesn't give a #### what anyone calls him.

As someone who sees blatant, deeply seeded racism... daily, going BOTH ways... living in Memphis, TN: 

Black men (and women) make a big deal out of it because they are STILL trying to “come up” and overcome hurdles that white men never had to face. Having that thrown in your face is like being kicked in the face from above while you’re trying to climb a ladder. That’s a blanket statement, of course, and not all black men are actually trying to climb the ladder... just like not all white men are kicking from above. But in the end the words mean the same. Some are impacted more by them than others. 

“Cracker” lacks the same punch or power because, generally speaking, the targets of the insult are comfortable in their standing.. typically “above” the person throwing the insult. It takes a lot of the punch away and doesn’t mean anywhere near the same thing. Sure there are PLENTY of angry poor white men who, when called a cracker by black men, would likely take umbrage and throw fists.... but Maycock is not such a man. 

Cracker is effectively harmless as a term not because of the intent behind it, but because it lacks the historical projection of power that other racial slurs carry. 

I’m not standing up for Brown’s use of the term. There’s no place for that #### in today’s NFL. At this point these men are professionals making more money in a year than many of us will make in a lifetime. Just explaining the lack of uproar, IMO. 

I don’t love the signing, as a lifer NE fan. I’m doing my best to take a wait and see approach. That said, the uproar by some in here has provided a TREMENDOUS amount of comedy... and screen grabs have been circulating among NE family and on some other forums. 

 

[CKoz24]

If you were to draft today, where would AB go round/tier?

 

[ponchsox]

Beginning of the second around Michael Thomas, Julio, and JuJu.

 

[theplayer11]

As someone who sees blatant, deeply seeded racism... daily, going BOTH ways... living in Memphis, TN: 

Black men (and women) make a big deal out of it because they are STILL trying to “come up” and overcome hurdles that white men never had to face. Having that thrown in your face is like being kicked in the face from above while you’re trying to climb a ladder. That’s a blanket statement, of course, and not all black men are actually trying to climb the ladder... just like not all white men are kicking from above. But in the end the words mean the same. Some are impacted more by them than others. 

“Cracker” lacks the same punch or power because, generally speaking, the targets of the insult are comfortable in their standing.. typically “above” the person throwing the insult. It takes a lot of the punch away and doesn’t mean anywhere near the same thing. Sure there are PLENTY of angry poor white men who, when called a cracker by black men, would likely take umbrage and throw fists.... but Maycock is not such a man. 

Cracker is effectively harmless as a term not because of the intent behind it, but because it lacks the historical projection of power that other racial slurs carry. 

well stated

 

[[icon]]

If you were to draft today, where would AB go round/tier?

Would he go 1st round/tier? Probably in most leagues. 

Is he worth it? Given the historically streaky inconsistent distribution of targets in NE (outside moss and Edelman), and the inherent risk of AB blowing up and getting booted? No. Late 2nd early 3rd for me.

Higher ceiling/floor than Gordon. Similar risk profile. 

 

[Otis]

It is easy (?) to forget AB has been behaving irrationally.  

Nobody is forgetting that.

 

[Elevencents]

If you were to draft today, where would AB go round/tier?

Oof I would prob still take him right where he was before. I think it’s an upgrade in situation but a downgrade in general confidence that he’ll play all 16 (15 now) so it’s a wash. 

Edit: And by that I mean after the elite tier of WR’s. Toss up between him and Evans. 

 

[Team Smokin']

I think AB's actions and behavior tell a story that he wanted out of Oakland. His antics are just part of the show leading up to his release. Who knows? Then, ya gotta question whether his agent was working behind the scenes with NE? Isn't that called tampering while a player is under contract? Anyone else talking about this? A signing, a deal, within 2 1/2 hours after his release sounds a little fishy to me.

 

[theplayer11]

Oof I would prob still take him right where he was before. I think it’s an upgrade in situation but a downgrade in general confidence that he’ll play all 16 (15 now) so it’s a wash. 

less targets imo

 

[[icon]]

A signing, a deal, within 2 1/2 hours after his release sounds a little fishy to me.

In a vacuum this isn’t fishy at all. Mccoy was signed immediately. Do you sincerely think teams don’t act fast when a top tier talent hits the market?

AB’s situation was devolving rapidly... there were public rumors of him being cut at least a day earlier, internally likely before that. Trust me, every single Management team had held emergency meetings to discuss what they would be willing to give AB if that call came. They weren’t doing their jobs if they didn’t. 

 

[Elevencents]

I don’t love the signing, as a lifer NE fan. I’m doing my best to take a wait and see approach. That said, the uproar by some in here has provided a TREMENDOUS amount of comedy... and screen grabs have been circulating among NE family and on some other forums. 

It’s quite ridiculous for sure - I have found myself rereading several posts because I’m not sure if it’s serious or schtick. 

 

[Hairy Snowman]

disagree again, if the Pats cut hin there will still be plenty of teams lining up to get him

Who? 

I could see Seattle at league minimum.  And he would sign because the Pats already paid him. 

But the Pats aren't going to just "release" him like Oakland.  The Patriots are a much different organization.  There will be consequences. The culture in New England is of accountability.  If he violates his contract in New England, there will be consequences drafted into the contract.  I promise you AB gave things up for that 9 million.

This is going to be interesting. Tom Brady has tremendous force of personality.  The locker room is tight and championship caliber.  I don't know if AB affects it much because he will need to penetrate it.  AB has been acting irrationally.  A nice way of saying insane. 

Is possible AB wises up like a Dennis Rodman and "does his job"? Sure.  But I don't think AB will be able to keep up sanity.  I am not a doctor, but to me he appears to be a pathological narcissist.  He creates all his problems and drama.  What is going to happen when they take the game spotlight and the media platforms?  What is going to happen when he is held accountable for his actions like every other player on that team.  Take the structure in Oakland and multiply it by 10.  

I don't think it will take that long.  As long as Tom Brady can keep him focusing on football.  Which will probably be as long as it takes AB to drive home.        

 

[theplayer11]

In a vacuum this isn’t fishy at all. Mccoy was signed immediately. Do you sincerely think teams don’t act fast when a top tier talent hits the market?

AB’s situation was devolving rapidly... there were public rumors of him being cut at least a day earlier, internally likely before that. Trust me, every single Management team had held emergency meetings to discuss what they would be willing to give AB if that call came. They weren’t doing their jobs if they didn’t. 

and I bet half the teams were not doing their jobs

 

[Elevencents]

In a vacuum this isn’t fishy at all. Mccoy was signed immediately. Do you sincerely think teams don’t act fast when a top tier talent hits the market?

AB’s situation was devolving rapidly... there were public rumors of him being cut at least a day earlier, internally likely before that. Trust me, every single Management team had held emergency meetings to discuss what they would be willing to give AB if that call came. They weren’t doing their jobs if they didn’t. 

If this were any other team this would probably be the pervading theory but people just LOVE to associate cheating and general underhandedness with the Pats. 

 

[Jello_Biafra]

You should be banned for a comment like this. Showing a little too much of yourself with this one. 

Edit: Unless I'm misinterpreting what you're saying here. In which case, my bad. But what you're saying seems like trivializing. 

I'm just talking the truth. 

 

[theplayer11]

Who? 

I could see Seattle at league minimum.  And he would sign because the Pats already paid him. 

But the Pats aren't going to just "release" him like Oakland.  The Patriots are a much different organization.  There will be consequences. The culture in New England is of accountability.  If he violates his contract in New England, there will be consequences drafted into the contract.  I promise you AB gave things up for that 9 million.

This is going to be interesting. Tom Brady has tremendous force of personality.  The locker room is tight and championship caliber.  I don't know if AB affects it much because he will need to penetrate it.  AB has been acting irrationally.  A nice way of saying insane. 

Is possible AB wises up like a Dennis Rodman and "does his job"? Sure.  But I don't think AB will be able to keep up sanity.  I am not a doctor, but to me he appears to be a pathological narcissist.  He creates all his problems and drama.  What is going to happen when they take the game spotlight and the media platforms?  What is going to happen when he is held accountable for his actions like every other player on that team.  Take the structure in Oakland and multiply it by 10.  

I don't think it will take that long.  As long as Tom Brady can keep him focusing on football.  Which will probably be as long as it takes AB to drive home.        

I agree with most of this, but I think AB settles in with the Pats..UNLESS he truly is insane

 

[Hairy Snowman]

In a vacuum this isn’t fishy at all. Mccoy was signed immediately. Do you sincerely think teams don’t act fast when a top tier talent hits the market?

AB’s situation was devolving rapidly... there were public rumors of him being cut at least a day earlier, internally likely before that. Trust me, every single Management team had held emergency meetings to discuss what they would be willing to give AB if that call came. They weren’t doing their jobs if they didn’t. 

They were broadcasting his availability to negotiate live on the NFL channel. All the teams knew at the same time. 

 

[Bad_Mo]

I think AB's actions and behavior tell a story that he wanted out of Oakland. His antics are just part of the show leading up to his release. Who knows? Then, ya gotta question whether his agent was working behind the scenes with NE? Isn't that called tampering while a player is under contract? Anyone else talking about this? A signing, a deal, within 2 1/2 hours after his release sounds a little fishy to me.

NE showed interest in him way before yesterday...years ago while he was debating his future in Pitt.  Rosenhaus has other patriot players as clients too.  Got a lot of calls from other teams wanting brown.

 

[Bad_Mo]

So, I assume Brown had no leverage in the Oak trade (ie, no trade clause).  Immediately worked out with Carr.  All of a sudden, he’s missing practices, walkthroughs, etc.  It’s not unreasonable to surmise that the dude knew Oak would continue to suck and be irrelevant in the grand scheme of everything.  Only way out was to do what he did.  Unfortunately, he got what he wanted in the end.  Oak should’ve given him 5-day letter, but that’s what happens when you have broadcast boy and Mel kiper wannabe guy running your team.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Actually got someone trying to trade for AB.  Figured I’d put it in here in case anyone else is trying to cash out. 

AB/Duke Johnson for Chubb and Hilton 

 

[Steeler]

So, I assume Brown had no leverage in the Oak trade (ie, no trade clause).  Immediately worked out with Carr.  All of a sudden, he’s missing practices, walkthroughs, etc.  It’s not unreasonable to surmise that the dude knew Oak would continue to suck and be irrelevant in the grand scheme of everything.  Only way out was to do what he did.  Unfortunately, he got what he wanted in the end.  Oak should’ve given him 5-day letter, but that’s what happens when you have broadcast boy and Mel kiper wannabe guy running your team.

Oak would have had to pay AB or fight him in court to not pay him if he wasn't cut.  They did the right thing for their organization by cutting him and ending the drama.

 

[BobbyLayne]

It’s a great day to be a Chippewa. Held Wisconsin to 61 yesterday and our most (in)famous alum just blew past T.O. to become the all-time Drama Queen of the NFL’s first 100 years.

#fireupchips

 

[Casting Couch]

AB/Duke Johnson for Chubb and Hilton 

Wow, great haul for AB

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Pretty incredible that the most populated topic on this forum is about a dude who isn’t even playing this weekend, or actually on a team for that matter. 

I’d bet AB would be super happy about this. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if one of his defenders in here was him. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Actually got someone trying to trade for AB.  Figured I’d put it in here in case anyone else is trying to cash out. 

AB/Duke Johnson for Chubb and Hilton 

I like the Chubb side. 

 

[Team Smokin']

It’s a great day to be a Chippewa. Held Wisconsin to 61 yesterday and our most (in)famous alum just blew past T.O. to become the all-time Drama Queen of the NFL’s first 100 years.

#fireupchips

Got my Bachelor and Masters degree from CMU. Fire Up Chips! Although I root for Michigan and Michigan State too. Go Lions LOL.

I think AB will be just fine in NE. It's pretty much the only team that can possible handle him. We shall see...

 

[Blick]

The only thing that messes up the whole Antonio Brown getting intentionally released conspiracy theory is his heartful apology to the team on Friday. The bipolar or CTE theories make more sense to me. His desire to win a ring might keep him on the straight and narrow on the Patriots but we shall see.

If it was only about winning, he would have just stayed in Pittsburgh. 

 

[Grahamburn]

I feel like I stole from my league mate, traded AB for Diggs and Demariyus Thomas yesterday.

How you feeling now?

 

[King of the Jungle]

How you feeling now?

If dynasty I would love that trade. I have a hard time imagining Brown putting up the same stats as he is used to in the NE offense.

 

[[icon]]

If it was only about winning, he would have just stayed in Pittsburgh. 

 

I assume this is a joke. 

 

[The Dude]

I think AB's upside is limited in NE.  I think Edelman still gets his share and Gordon has a role to fill.  

He's a very low end WR 1.  May get 10 TD's but I expect lower receptions and yards that most top half tier one.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

This is a false premise. 

There is no outrage over “cracker”.

There are rules in the league about conduct unbecoming. Using any slur, threatening violence, drugs, assault, etc, etc - they’re in the rules.

the rules don’t say “if a white person calls a POC X, Y or Z, this will happen” or “if a POC calls a white person X, Y or Z, that will happen”

Antonio Brown spent the better part of the last month acting like a maniac, escalating to the last week of insanity, where he both threatened and used a slur against a GM.

and it doesn’t matter in the slightest wht color anyone was or what the specific slur was.

it merits a suspension because it’s the very definition of “conduct unbecoming”.

I would think this obvious enough as to make explanation unnecessary, yet here we are. 

Oh ok.   If you and others are trying to say that AB should be suspended by the league for his detrimental behavior, you will get no argument from me, other than to point out that this is simply not how it has worked in prior situations.  Was LeVeon Bell suspended by the league?  Historically speaking, players acting like malcontents to get out of bad contracts / bad situations has NEVER been an enforceable action (see, for example, Randy Moss, who everyone acknowledges quit on the Raiders).  

Knowing this, some would like to create a new rule to prevent the destination team and the player from benefiting from such behavior.

I have no problem with that.

But recognize it for what it is...attempting to define a new rule and apply it to something that has already happened (or technically may happen at a contract signing tomorrow).

 

[BobbyLayne]

Got my Bachelor and Masters degree from CMU. Fire Up Chips! Although I root for Michigan and Michigan State too. Go Lions LOL.

Same afflictions.

Wait, what...U if M & Sparty? Man, on my side of the state (Ottawa county), you’re born into one or the other. You can switch if you like so long as you understand you’ll be excommunicated from the family.

Although I do root for Izzo in March since he bought a beach house in my hometown.

 

[BobbyLayne]

If it was only about winning, he would have just stayed in Pittsburgh. 

 

I assume this is a joke. 

Wiping coffee off my monitor rn

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

 Reportedly there were many witnesses to the incident.  I have not heard that the incident was in dispute. 

 Where did you hear that Antonio Brown denied it? 

Oh he denied it.  It was the next day in one of the blurbs from one of the talking heads who had been in contact with him.  Darlington maybe?

Anyway, by their actions, the Raiders demonstrated that they were willing to move on from whatever had taken place in AB's hissy fit (see, the plan is for AB to play on Sunday) so it will be difficult after the fact for them to support a commissioner-action of suspension, but given Goodell's sweeping and ambiguously constrained powers, I would think it he may take such action.  Kraft would freak out.  That would get real ugly real fast.  If I had to guess, the acrimony over the kangaroo court deflategate situation would be sufficient dis-incentive for Goodell to stay out of it.  But as we know, team owners can be petty and vindictive when they are getting their tails handed to them on a regular basis.