Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown initiated the now-infamous confrontation with team general manager Mike Mayock earlier this week, per a report from ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
The incident stemmed from Brown being upset about a fine Mayock levied against him for missing several mandatory team activities throughout training camp.
Brown reportedly saw Mayock on the field watching the Raiders practice on Wednesday when he decided to walk over to voice his displeasure.
According to witnesses, Brown called Mayock a “cracker” at one point during his profanity-laced tirade. The altercation never became physical but several Raiders players eventually attempted to separate Brown from Mayock.
Brown didn’t show up for practice on Thursday as the team mulled the idea of suspending the four-time All-Pro who was acquired in an off-season trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told the NFL Network Thursday, “I don’t think it’s too late to salvage that relationship,” and added he has been in contact with both the team and his client in the hopes that a resolution can be made and Brown can avoid a team-imposed suspension.
As of Friday morning, it was unclear whether or not Brown would be suspended or active for Oakland’s Week 1 game at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
In the early afternoon on Friday, however, it was reported that the four-time All-Pro issued an emotional apology during a team meeting, which could potentially have an impact on his Week 1 status.
We’ll soon find out whether this apology is the first step towards a resolution between the two sides.
“I’m emotional about it, I hope you understand why,” Raiders head coach John Gruden told reporters Thursday. “I think a lot of this guy. I think Antonio is a great receiver, and deep down I think he’s a really good guy. So, I’m frustrated, I’m not going to say anything more about it. Hope it all works out.”
