Raider’s helmet grievance denied.
Arbitrator says receiver, who’s missed most of camp, can’t wear his old helmet
NAPA >> Wide receiver Antonio Brown was denied in his bid to wear his old helmet by an arbitrator Monday, but indicated on social media he intended to join the Raiders, thus ending speculation he might retire.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, who earlier in the morning outlined the league’s argument in what he termed “background information” confirmed Brown’s grievance had been denied.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Brown’s response on Twitter made it clear he has no intention of walking away from a three-year contract extension with a maximum value of more than $50 million and over $30 million guaranteed.
“While I disagree with the arbitrator’s decision, I’m working on getting back to full health and looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field. I’m excited about this season appreciate all the concerns about my feet !” #AlwaysAFight #Represent #itsbiggerthanme.
According to a report on profootballtalk.com, there may be a loophole which would allow Brown to wear his preferred model of helmet — the Schutt AiR Advantage — as long as it is less than 10 years old. Schutt has not made the AiR Advantage since 2011. Brown’s helmet is 12 years old, which is too old by current
standards.
Brown has missed almost all of training camp after sustaining frostbite-like burns on his feet in a cryotherapy session well in advance of the start of training camp. His return date is not known. Former Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski told KNBR Monday it will be a “process” before the receiver is 100 percent.
Romanowski has trained with Brown and was on site during the sessions when Brown practiced in Napa, said he believed the wide receiver was at his home in Florida.
Talking with the radio station before the grievance was denied, Romanowski said, “If they called him and said he can wear his helmet, I think probably tomorrow he would be on the practice
field. I don’t know if the hot air balloon can make it from Florida, but I am sure his private jet can.”
According to Romanowski, Brown received the cryotherapy treatment while in France for his birthday and wasn’t given proper footwear to protect his feet.
Coach Jon Gruden on Saturday night backed Brown with regard to both the injury and the helmet issue.
“The helmet thing is a personal matter to him,” Gruden said. “He has a strong feeling about what he’s worn on his head and
we’re supporting him. And we understand the league’s position as well so we’re in a tough spot. And we hope Antonio is back here soon because he’s exciting to be around. I’ve got some plays for him. I hope we can start calling them.”
ESPN reported Friday Brown was threatening to retire if he could not use his old helmet.
Brown’s helmet is reportedly a 12-year-old Schutt Air Advantage that was discontinued in 2011. LAWSON OFFICIALLY SUSPENDED >> Cornerback Nevin Lawson was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing drugs. Lawson had announced the suspension on Twitter.