Raiders plan to play Brown in season opener

Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden announced Friday that Antonio Brown is expected to play in the team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos, mere hours after the wide receiver reportedly issued an apology.

Gruden’s comments are the latest in a whirlwind saga surrounding Brown, who approached Raiders general manager Mike Mayock while he was watching practice to initiate an exchange that led to the men being physically separated on Wednesday, ESPN and NFL Network reported.

According to ESPN, Brown was flanked by the team’s captains on Friday morning when he opened a team meeting with his “emotional apology.”

“That’s the plan,” Gruden told reporters of Brown’s expected participation for the season opener.

“Antonio’s back today. We’re really excited about that. Ready to move on. He’s had a lot of time to think about things. We’re happy to have him back and I know Raider Nation is excited about that, too,” Gruden said.

Brown, 31, initially had been expected to be suspended by the Raiders for conduct detrimental to the team and miss at least the Week 1 game, with US$30 million in guaranteed money also on the line should the Raiders opt to take a hard-line position in the matter.

“I’m excited to be out here today,” Brown told reporters on Friday. “I apologized to my teammates and the organization. Enough talk, man. I’m excited to be out here with my teammates. I’m grateful for all the fans. I’m excited to be a part of the Raiders and see you guys soon.”

NBC Sports.com reported an NFL spokesman Friday declined to comment regarding the situation and whether Brown’s alleged misconduct had triggered possible scrutiny under the Personal Conduct Policy, which prohibits “violent or threatening behaviour toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting.”

Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Brown confronted Mayock on Wednesday over being fined almost $54,000 and called Mayock a “cracker” and addressed him with a number of “cuss words” during the altercation. Anderson reported Mayock began to walk away because he felt the situation would escalate.

Brown told ESPN’s Dianna Russini that he did not call Mayock a “cracker” during their Wednesday altercation, adding he would “never use that word.”

Gruden did not take a side in the matter Thursday.