PITTSBURGH — It wasn’t a normal Wednesday afternoon around the Steelers facility in the South Side. Mike Tomlin was not concerned with an opponent. He was not strategizing on how to stop anyone’s offense. Instead, Mike Tomlin was concerned with one of his own, his super-star receiver Antonio Brown. And the only offense he had to deal with was the offensive media, wanting to know everything possible about the latest drama surrounding AB.
Tomlin attempted to explain the bizarre series of events that led to Brown not playing in the Steelers must-win week 17 game against Cincinnati. According to Tomlin, Brown, who caught 104 balls for 1,297 yards with 15 touchdowns throughout the season, did complain about a knee injury and was scheduled to have an MRI. The key is scheduled because Brown never actually went to have the test done.
Tomlin also opened up about the fact that Brown failed to communicate with him throughout the week. In fact, Tomlin made it clear he has not heard from the star receiver since Sunday’s game either. Brown’s failure to communicate with the Steelers was the main determining factor in him not playing versus the Bengals.
While the media were packed into a room waiting to hear the head coach speak on the latest drama involving his team, former Steeler James Harrison had a scoop of his own, recording an interview with Brown. The two former teammates and current friends in animosity towards one of the NFL’s most storied franchises were listening to Tomlin while hanging out together. It turns out one of the surprise winners in this whole mess is actually Harrison with his new career as an analyst (or whatever label you want to give him for his constant national appearances).
Despite the drama, and even Brown’s reported request to be traded, Tomlin would not speculate on if the relationship can be mended.
As always, when it comes to the Steelers, stay tuned…