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Antonio Brown Absent from Raiders Practice, Still Upset over Helmet Change

Rob Goldberg@TheRobGoldbergX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistAugust 18, 2019

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Oakland Raiders receiver Antonio Brown still hasn't shown up to practice and remains upset about his helmet dispute with the NFL

General manager Mike Mayock explained the situation Sunday:

Vic Tafur @VicTafur

Antonio Brown not here because he’s upset about helmet. Mike Mayock wants him back with team. He’s all in or he’s all out. #Raiders https://t.co/3eQejXQYfq

"At this point, we've pretty much exhausted all avenues of relief," Mayock said. "So from our perspective, it's time for him to be all-in or all-out."

Brown filed a grievance with the NFL to use his old helmet, but it was denied by an arbitrator.  

Brown initially appeared to be moving past the issue based on his first statement on Twitter, but he showed his anger with the situation on Saturday:

AB @AB84

"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

AB @AB84

Truly https://t.co/TaIndyCWEE

The receiver has also been dealing with frostbite on his feet, which has caused him to stay off the field.

While Brown was with the team during the Week 2 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, even running routes during warm-ups, he remains away from the team during practice.

The Raiders have remained patient with the All-Pro player, but Mayock is clearly hitting a breaking point ahead of the important Week 3 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Oakland acquired Brown this offseason in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, hoping to add the production of a seven-time Pro Bowler. However, the off-field concerns have been the bigger story this preseason.