Antonio Brown's career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended on Sunday, January 2, after the controversial wide receiver suffered a meltdown in the second half of their game against the New York Jets. After their dramatic 28-24 win, Head coach Bruce Arians announced that Brown is "no longer a Buc."
Brown walks out mid-game after argument with Arians
The incident took place during the third quarter with Brown cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines. According to NFL on Fox's Jay Glazer, Brown twice refused Arians' orders to enter the game before his outburst. Arians was livid with Brown's refusal, telling him to get out right there and then.
Brown followed that particular command, doing so in a way never before seen in the NFL. Brown took off his jersey, pads, and undershirt as he rejected pleas by teammates Mike Evans and O.J. Howard to stay in the game. He then removed his shirt and gloves before throwing those items into the stands.
Fans at MetLife Stadium were treated to an unexpected sideshow, with a shirtless Brown engaging the crowd as he made his way into the locker room. He waved to the fans on the opposite end zone while the Bucs were trying to score on the Jets' side of the field.
Security at Metlife Stadium thought Brown was a jumper and nearly apprehended him while he was in the end zone. A security officer told ESPN that Brown had changed in the locker room before making his way to the airport.
It appears Brown got a ride from driver Danny Chalet. The chauffeur posted an Instagram story of Brown smiling in the back of his car as they made their way into New York. Chalet is a chauffeur to some of the NFL's biggest stars, with Odell Beckham Jr, Saquon Barkley, and Jamal Adams among his high-profile clients.
Antonio Brown has been picked up from MetLife and is in the city with NYC driver Danny Chalet (IG Dannyboyhustlehard) pic.twitter.com/VXhdNNkpYp
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) January 2, 2022
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Brady still cares for Brown even after bizarre meltdown
Tom Brady was stunned to learn of Brown's dismissal, as he was only notified of his teammate's unceremonious exit after the game. Brady had his hands full during the commotion, with the Bucs trailing 24-10 at that point. Even without Brown, Brady managed to pull off a stirring come-from-behind win, with Tampa Bay scoring 18 unanswered points.
Antonio Brown literally quit on Tom Brady in the middle of a game
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 2, 2022
I absolutely didn’t expect this reaction of immediate sympathy
who knows what AB is going thru but credit to Brady, this level of empathy & humanity in the moment is impressive pic.twitter.com/jl3sL8sCqL
After the game, Brady was asked about the incident in a press conference, saying that what happened to Brown was a difficult situation. Brady added that they all love Brown and care about him deeply. Brady said they want to see him at his best, but unfortunately, it won't be with the Bucs.
Brady made it clear that he does not hold any ill will against Brown, saying, "I think everyone should be compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening."
It has been a rough 2021 season for Brown, who served a three-game suspension for using a fake vaccination card. He was expected to be a major part of the Bucs' playoff run with Chris Godwin sidelined because of a knee injury. That won't be the case now with Brown adding another infamous chapter to his NFL career.
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