USA TODAY International Edition
Antonio Brown: I put myself in a bad predicament
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Less than 20 miles from the site of Super Bowl LIV, Antonio Brown was back in the spotlight – despite the fact he’s not participating in the game on Sunday, or even in the NFL.
After a Florida judge freed Antonio Brown from an ankle monitor and house arrest on Tuesday, the troubled wide receiver celebrated in memorable fashion.
Brown, 31, walked across the street from Broward County Courthouse, got behind the wheel of his black Lamborghini and spent about 15 minutes in the parking lot – singing along with music blasting on his car stereo, posing for photographs with passersby and luxuriating in the sun after taking off his shirt.
“Don’t judge me,” he crooned along with Kendrick Lamar’s song “God.”
Brown also granted an interview to USA TODAY Sports a week after he was charged with burglary with battery, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and criminal mischief. The charges were filed in connection with the alleged assault of a moving truck driver who was parked in front of Brown’s home in Hollywood, Florida.
“I put myself in a bad predicament,” he said. “I’m out of it now, man. Unfortunate situation, but we don’t make excuses and we’re going to make the best of it.”
He said he felt bad for kids who look up to him.
“I’m going to make them proud, man,” Brown said. “I’m planning to come back to the NFL.”
Brown played only one game this past season. That came during his short stint with the Patriots that ended after allegations of sexual and personal misconduct piled up.
Brown also is facing a civil suit for allegedly raping a woman, his ex- trainer.
But on Tuesday, he expressed hope for resuming his NFL career that has included seven Pro Bowls and twice leading the NFL in receiving yards and receptions.
“I think I’ve got a shot,” he said. Then, shirtless, he flexed his muscles and got back in tune with “God.”
“Hey, this what God feels like,” Brown said with a grin.
But eventually the preening and singing ended.
“I’m going to go to the gym,” he said. “Man, I finally got some freedom. Now I’m going to go work out.”