Brown returns, files new grievance
Star receiver Antonio Brown returned to training camp with the Raiders on Monday, a day after being given an ultimatum by general manager Mike Mayock to be “all in or all out.”
Brown took part in meetings in Napa, Calif., before the team broke camp, The Associated Press reported.
Brown didn’t attend practice Sunday as he works to find a helmet that he’s comfortable using and that meets safety standards set by the NFL and NFLPA. Brown lost a grievance last week seeking to use the Schutt Air Advantage helmet he has used throughout his career because it was too old to be certified as safe.
He had hoped to find a newer version of his preferred helmet that could be approved but the one he submitted failed a safety test conducted by the league and union.
ESPN reported Monday night that Brown filed a new grievance against the league in an attempt to be able to wear the helmet he wants.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN earlier Monday that he expects Brown to be back practicing soon.
The Raiders’ next practice will be Tuesday.
“Antonio is very genuine,” Rosenhaus said. “He wants to be there. He wants to be a part of the team. He wants to practice. But he’d also like to do it with the helmet that he’s worn his entire life. He wore this helmet in pee-wee football, high school football, in college at Central Michigan. And he also wore this helmet his nine-year (NFL) career.
“This is his life. He’s risking everything. He’s got a family. He’s had a concussion before. This helmet has kept him safe. He’s had brutal hits. ... The helmet is the most important piece of equipment and he’s had the same one every single snap he’s played in his football career. This is a major issue for him.”
Brown has yet to take part in a full practice all training camp for the Raiders, missing time because of frost bite on his feet suffered in a cryotherapy accident in France and now over the helmet issue.
Gordon back with Pats: Oft-suspended receiver Josh Gordon returned to Patriots practice without pads and without saying when he might be able to play again.
Gordon was seen stretching on the field during the portion of the team’s workout. In the locker room before practice, he declined a request for an interview.
The Patriots placed Gordon on the non-football injury list Sunday, two days after the league reinstated him from an indefinite suspension that cost him the final three games of the 2018 regular season and the team’s Super Bowl run. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Gordon could participate in team meetings, conditioning and individual workouts while working himself back into shape.
Edelman practices: Receiver Julian Edelman was removed from the non-football injury list and practiced for the first time at Patriots training camp.
Last season’s Super Bowl MVP missed time with a broken thumb.
Edelman caught 74 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns during the 2018 regular season and had 26 catches for 388 yards (14.9 average) in three postseason games.