Antonio Brown Wants to Return to New England

Former Steelers WR Antonio Brown
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: New England Patriots Wide Receiver Antonio Brown (17) on the field before the start of the NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on September 15, 2019. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire)

Antonio Brown wants to come back to the NFL.

He said that as part of an Instagram Live post during a workout session in Florida on Wednesday, in a change of heart after saying in September that he was “done with the NFL.”

“I’m gonna do everything to get back,” Brown said. “I gotta.”

Brown is facing a possible league suspension for his actions with regards to a pair of accusations of sexual impropriety.

Specifically, Brown would like to return to the New England Patriots, who released him after playing in just one game earlier this season.

“If you guys follow the Patriots, tell them call me,” he said. “They gotta pay me so, may as well let me earn it.”

New England has not paid Brown most of the $9 million in guaranteed money they agreed to pay him when they signed him to a two-year contract this fall after Brown was released by the Oakland Raiders.

The Patriots allege that Brown did not disclose the federal lawsuit alleging rape and sexual assault that had been filed against him when he signed with the club. The Raiders are also withholding payment to Brown. He has filed a grievance and is being assisted in that process by the NFLPA.

If Brown signs with another team, he could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, which would prohibit him from playing until the league completes its investigation.

“Our office is presently investigating multiple allegations, some of which are the subject of pending litigation,” an NFL spokesperson wrote in September. “We have as yet made no findings regarding these issues. The investigation is ongoing and will be pursued vigorously and expeditiously. As long as Mr. Brown is a free agent, placement on the Commissioner’s exempt list is not appropriate.

“If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, he may also be subject to discipline if the investigation finds that he has violated the law or league policies.”

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