Arbitrator says Antonio Brown must wear a league- approved helmet or sit.
Oakland Raiders receiver Antonio Brown lost his grievance with the NFL Monday over his use of an old helmet that is no longer certified as safe to use for practice or play. The arbitrator issued the ruling after holding a hearing Friday with Brown, representatives from the league and the players union.
“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,” former Steelers receiver Brown said in a statement on Twitter. “I’m excited about this season appreciate all the concerns about my feet.”
Brown has not participated in a full practice for the Raiders after starting training camp on the non- football injury list with injuries to his feet that reportedly came from frostbite suffered while getting cryotherapy treatment in France. Brown was cleared to practice July 28 and participated in part of two sessions but wasn’t around the team last week when he had the grievance hearing with the NFL over his helmet.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy earlier in the day reiterated the league’s stance that Brown wouldn’t be allowed to practice or play without a certified helmet.
“The player can’t practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved,” McCarthy wrote. “If he doesn’t play or practice he is in breach of his contract and doesn’t get paid. NFL policy is that helmets have to be certified by NOSCAE. They don’t certify equipment that’s [ older] than 10 years.”
Brown was one of 32 players using helmets a year ago that now are banned by the league and players association. Those players, including New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, were able to use the helmets last season under a grace period but were required to make the change in 2019.
More Raiders
Cornerback Nevin Lawson was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance- enhancing substances. The league announced the decision Monday, one week after Lawson revealed he had tested positive for Ostarine despite “never knowingly” taking the substance. Lawson signed a one- year deal with the Raiders in March after spending the past five seasons with Detroit.
Browns
Defensive end Chad Thomas sustained a sprained neck but avoided a more serious injury in a scary moment at training camp. Thomas was immobilized on the field and taken by ambulance to University Hospitals. A team spokesperson said Thomas, a third- round pick in 2018, was back at the Browns facility Monday evening. His return to practice will be evaluated on a day- to- day basis. Thomas appeared to absorb a blow to his right shoulder and head area on a play. The 6- foot- 5, 280- pounder stood up but then went to the turf, where he was treated by Browns medical personnel.
Elsewhere
A petition reportedly has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to create a separate union for NFL running backs. According to the website Law360, the petition was filed Thursday by the International Brotherhood of Professional Running Backs and focuses on the shorter careers for players at the position. The average pro career for a running back is 2.57 years, by far the shortest of any position.