Report: Bruce Arians Explains What He Says Led to Antonio Brown’s Departure

Tampa Bay’s coach detailed his interaction with Antonio Brown before Sunday’s strange exit.
Report: Bruce Arians Explains What He Says Led to Antonio Brown’s Departure
Report: Bruce Arians Explains What He Says Led to Antonio Brown’s Departure /

Antonio Brown’s exit from the field at MetLife Stadium on Sunday was one of the NFL season’s strangest moments, and the incident seemed to confound even Brown’s former head coach. 

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians briefly explained his side of Sunday’s interaction following his team’s 28–24 victory. Arians told Fox Sports’s Jay Glazer that he attempted to get Brown into the game, but the wide receiver refused the request. Brown then took off his jersey before leaving the field, per Arians. 

Arians said Brown is “no longer a Buc” following the third-quarter incident. Tampa Bay erased a 14-point deficit despite Brown’s absence on Sunday, winning the game on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Cyril Grayson. 

The Buccaneers advanced to 12–4 in 2021 with Sunday’s victory. They will conclude the regular season on Jan. 9 in a home contest against the Panthers. 

More NFL Coverage: 

• Arians Says Antonio Brown Is ‘No Longer a Buc’
• FedEx Field Stands Collapse as Jalen Hurts Exits Field
• Ja'Marr Chase Breaks Single-Game Rookie Receiving Record
• All Bucs: Bruce Arians Says Buccaneers Will Release Antonio Brown

For more Buccaneers news, head over to All Bucs


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Michael Shapiro
MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Michael Shapiro is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. He is a Denver native and 2018 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.