Helmet hassle could end with endorsement
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown has lost his second helmet grievance, potentially bringing the entire issue to a close.
“Pro Football Talk” was first to report the news, and added that when Brown chooses his next helmet, he will receive a custom-made model and an endorsement deal from whichever manufacturer he chooses.
Brown was seeking a one-year grace period to phase out his pre
ferred Schutt Air Advantage helmet, which has now been denied. Brown argued that he should be provided the same right as other players who also received a grace period. Brown didn’t have one because his helmet was discontinued and therefore was not tested by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.
While Brown’s helmet issue has flared up in recent weeks, his agent, Drew Rosehnaus, recently said this is an issue that Brown, the league and the Raiders have all been trying to resolve for months.
Brown was away from the team to receive treatment on his frostbitten feet when reports first began to surface that he was also upset over the helmet issue.
Brown returned to the Raiders on Aug. 13 and participated in pregame warmups wearing a helmet on Aug. 15, when the Raiders played the Arizona Cardinals. After joining the club for two walk-through sessions on Aug. 17, Brown was not present at the Raiders’ Aug. 18 practice — prompting general manager Mike Mayock to issue the ultimatum that it was time for Brown to be “all in, or all out.”
Brown has since been with the team, practicing in a certified helmet. Though he didn’t play Thursday against the Packers in Canada, Brown did warm up on the field wearing a helmet.
He was also on the field in a helmet for the media viewing window at Sunday’s practice — just before news came down that he’d lost his second grievance.
The Raiders are set to practice Monday and Tuesday before heading to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Thursday in the last preseason matchup. Brown and the rest of the Raiders starters are not expected to play.
Contact Myles Simmons at msimmons@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350. Follow @Mylesasimmons on Twitter.