Antonio Brown’s dramatic exit from the NFL

In a Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets, former Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown stormed off of the field after a heated dispute with his coach.

Brown removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and undershirt before leaving. Details on the situation continue to come to the surface as he lives his life away from the NFL.

While Brown’s reaction may have been blown out of proportion, reports are stating that coach Bruce Arians forced him to play, despite an ankle injury. The true story is not known yet, but Brown tells his side of the intensely peculiar altercation.

“I took a seat on the sideline and my coach came up to me, very upset, and shouted, ‘What’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with you?’ I told him, ‘It’s my ankle.’ But he knew that,” Brown said. “It was well-documented and we had discussed it…He then ordered me to get on the field.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Brown shortly after the Jets game. Coach Arians didn’t seem to be upset because Brown was on thin ice with him since signing with the Bucs.

“It was very hard…I wish him well,” Arians said. “I hope if he needs help, [he] gets some. It’s very hard because I do care about him.”

Arians and Brown struggled to get along throughout his time in Tampa Bay, so their argument was a long time coming. However, Brown’s MRI came back showing torn ligaments and parts of broken bones. He is scheduling an ankle surgery soon.

“Antonio never faked an injury in his life,” Brown’s lawyer Sean Burstyn said. “It is incredible that people are pushing false rumors that what happened Sunday was the result of mental health issues and not a well known ankle injury.”

As the media defends or criticizes Brown, he stays transparent with his fans. Aside from his drama and physical troubles, he had an incredible season with the powerful Buccaneers.

“First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude to the Bucs, fans, and my teammates,” Brown said. “The Bucs helped me return to productive football after I had difficulties that could have ended my career. We worked together to resolve those difficulties, and I will always appreciate that.”

Brown is still active on social media, giving updates on his personal life. During his time off, he already released a rap song, created a music video, and performed his music. Brown claims that big things are coming for him, whether that means returning to the NFL or pursuing a career elsewhere.

And for the Bucs, they are pushing for their second Super Bowl title in a row. The last back-to-back champions were the New England Patriots in their 2004-2005 run. Will the team improve without Antonio Brown, or will they struggle throughout the postseason?