Time for Antonio Brown to go

I said it two years ago following the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff win in Kansas City during the Divisional around of the AFC playoffs when he was Facebook Live promoting no more than himself. While in the background you can clearly see coach Mike Tomlin telling his players to stay clear of social media in preparation for their AFC Title matchup with the New England Patriots. For the record, the Steelers lost that game in Foxboro, 36-17.

Antonio Brown is a phenomenal talent but paying him huge dollars was a huge risk. Ask anyone. Many in the media agree.

​Today it looks like the Steelers may be regretting their decision in paying him the kind of money you would otherwise trust a player to hold up his end of the bargain. Don’t get me wrong, at age 30 Brown's production on the field is still considered by many including myself as a top 3 — if not THE best wide receiver in the NFL. That’s not even a debate in 2019.

It’s everything else. Off the field. He represents everything I stand against in the meritocracy that is the NFL. Again, free will. Players can do what they please. Doesn’t mean there isn’t a consequence on the horizon.

If the reports are true and that Brown was healthy enough to play in their Week 17 must win matchup vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and instead went on a tirade that cost the team to ultimately bench him, then it’s time to cut the cord.

I’m not necessarily a huge fan of Ben Roethlisberger’s and his character but fighting with your quarterback is a bad look. I get that Juju Smith-Schuster is stealing your shine. But you got paid as such.

Former Steeler and current ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark was equally critical of Antonio Brown on broadcast television earlier this week.

Mr. Brown’s response? Calling Clark an “Uncle Tom”.

Grow up clown.

Recent reports state that Brown requested a trade from the team. He honestly is doing the once and still proud Steelers franchise a favor. Get rid of a player that while great now, will not be better than he is today.

I don’t currently know the financial ramifications and particulars for Pittsburgh if a deal were to actually develop. But when you consider how the Pittsburgh Steelers, who many believe in the last 3-4 seasons have had the most talented roster in the entire league and have otherwise underwhelmed sometimes you have to make the uncomfortable decision to propel your franchise back to the top. In the case it involved moving Antonio Brown as far as possible from the one and still proud Steelers franchise. Trade Antonio Brown ASAP.