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Wide receiver Antonio Brown released screenshots of texts between he and Bucs head coach Bruce Arians from Friday, December 31, discussing his ankle injury. Brown posted the text exchange screenshots on his Instagram story on Thursday morning.
This follows a statement he publicly released on Wednesday night telling his side of the story on his sideline outburst in the third quarter of the Bucs’ 28-24 win. That incident led to him no longer being a Buccaneer. Now, Brown accused the Bucs of trying to cover up his injury.
Yet the texts don’t really show anything damning towards the Bucs. Brown was listed as questionable due to an ankle injury last week and missed some practice time. But he practiced on Saturday and was medically cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the Jets. He was targeted five times in the first half, catching three passes for 26 yards, including a 21-yarder.
Buccaneers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown, listed as questionable for Sunday due to an ankle injury, is expected to play vs. the Jets, per sources. Bucs initially had their doubts Brown would play, but he practiced Saturday and barring a setback Sunday, is expected to go.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2022
In the third quarter Arians apparently asked the mercurial receiver to return to the field and play. Brown allegedly refused, which led to his outburst and him leaving the field. After the game, Arians said Brown was no longer a Buc.
Text Messages From Arians
Here are the text messages that Brown posted to social media on Thursday morning.
The first message that appears is apparently from Arians, who says, “This is BA. Make sure your (sic) ready to go tomorrow. We are NOT resting for the playoffs.” That text is from Thursday, December 30 at 5:14 p.m.
The next day, Arians texted Brown on Friday at 12:29 p.m. and said, “Call me.”
Brown texted Arians a picture at 2:14 p.m. of him apparently getting some treatment on his right ankle.
Then he said, “I’m all in coach really caint (sic) get to full speed I wanna win wanna be there if I wake up tomorrow feel better I’ll be ready kinda rolled it outside on 2pt play I want what’s best for team lmk when you free I’ll call u”
Apparently Arians replied and texted the receiver, saying, “Come see me I’m (sic) the morning. We’ll talk it out. Definitely want you with us in case you’re ready.”
That last message was hearted by the receiver as his form of reply.
Brown is no longer a part of the team, but the Bucs have not officially released him.
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