Heads up: Brown loses helmet appeal
Raiders’ receiver says he’ll return soon after threatening to retire
Raiders receiver Antonio Brown will not be allowed to wear his old helmet this season after losing a grievance against the NFL, but he indicated that won’t preclude him from playing.
Brown wanted to wear a helmet that is more than 10 years old and has not been certified by the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment, per a league source.
His grievance was heard by an independent arbitrator on a conference call Friday, ESPN reported, and was denied Monday afternoon, an NFL spokesman confirmed.
Brown, who has not practiced with the Raiders in nearly two weeks because of a foot injury, quickly issued a statement in reaction to the decision on social media:
“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. I’m excited about this season appreciate all the concerns about my feet!”
ESPN reported last week that Brown had threatened to retire if not allowed to wear his old helmet. Brown’s post, however, appears to state his intent to play.
Before the 2018 season, the NFL banned the use of certain helmet models and gave players a oneyear grace period to switch. Brown prefers a Schutt Air Advantage, a model that is discontinued, and reportedly objected to newer models because they interfere with his vision.
In April, a league official said that teams could be subject to
discipline this season if found to have known about a player wearing a banned helmet.
Following the Raiders’ preseason opener Saturday night, head coach Jon Gruden voiced support for Brown regarding the helmet issue.
“The helmet thing is a personal matter to him,” Gruden said. “He has a strong feeling about what he has worn on his head. And we’re supporting him.
“We understand the league’s position as well, so we’re in a tough spot. We hope Antonio is back here soon, because he’s exciting to be around. I’ve got some plays for him. I hope we can start calling them.”
Brown, who signed a threeyear deal reportedly worth up to $54 million after being traded to the Raiders from the Steelers in March, last practiced July 30. He has been out since then because of an ailment with his feet.
The Raiders have not specified Brown’s injury; however, multiple outlets have reported Brown sustained frostbite as the result of using a cryotherapy machine without appropriate footwear before the start of training camp. Brown began camp on the nonfootball injury list, but he was removed from the list after passing a physical.
Gruden said Saturday that Brown’s “foot injury wasn’t his fault — this was a total accident.” He also said it is “a serious injury” and “really not a laughing matter.”
Gruden, though, said he hoped Brown might rejoin the team this week. The Raiders have held 11 practices; Brown participated in a walkthrough before their second practice and in limited fashion in their fourth practice July 30, the only reps Brown has taken in pads in training camp.
The Raiders will practice Tuesday in Napa, then fly to Arizona for their second preseason game Thursday against the Cardinals. Lawson suspended: The NFL suspended Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson four games without pay for violating its policy on performanceenhancing substances.
Lawson announced the impending suspension himself last week on Twitter. He is allowed to take part in preseason practices and games and would be eligible to rejoin the active roster Sept. 30.