The Oakland Raiders‘ wide receiver Antonio Brown received strong support from his team in his fight for the right to wear his old helmet.
After the first preseason match Raiders played, against the Los Angeles Rams, their head coach Jon Gruden addressed the media. While doing so, Chucky as the fans like to call him stated that he and the team are behind Brown in this one. Regardless of all the outside factors, they will continue supporting AB.
“He has a strong feeling about what he’s worn on his head, and we’re supporting him,” Gruden said.
Gruden also told the reporters that the Raiders understand both sides, the league, and the player, but that they simply have to back up their guy. The rules are the rules, but AB has some point in his requests.
“We understand the league’s position as well, so we’re in a tough spot, and we hope Antonio is here soon because he’s exciting to be around. I’m excited.”
The entire problem started when the NFL banned some of the old helmet models, and among them is Brown’s, which he wore for more than a decade. During his entire stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the No.84 didn’t change it and probably had some sentimental affection towards the same.
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment didn’t grant a necessary certification to Brown for that piece of his equipment. Therefore, the player can’t wear it; otherwise, he won’t play.
According to some insiders, AB is very determined to get what he wants in this one, and he even mentioned leaving football if his demands fall through.
He recently filed a grievance against the league and had a conference call with the league officials and the independent arbitrators. Brown stated that he played 10 years with the same helmet and that nothing ever happened to him. Due to that, he doesn’t see a reason why he can’t proceed with the same routine.
The player stated that the new helmets are narrowing down his vision area, and are not suitable for wide receivers. Up until this moment, there wasn’t any news about the verdict for this dispute, and we are still waiting to see what happens next. His old one is a Schutt Air Advantage model, and because the company isn’t producing these types anymore, the NOCSAE decided to ban it.
Gruden also spoke about AB’s frostbite injury. The player underwent a cryotherapy treatment without his footwear, which is required in those situations. According to many, this is one of the more bizarre injuries, and for them, it is unexplainable how one professional could act in such a childish manner.
Gruden stated that he knows that some of the people are joking on Brown’s account, but that also thinks that this situation is not because of him. Simply, bad things happen from time to time.
“I don’t know what anybody’s writing or what anybody thinks, but this foot injury wasn’t his fault. This was a total accident.
The Raiders continue their preseason tests in Arizona against the Cardinals this Thursday.
