It is not the first time that Brown has threatened to withdraw. Last September, he said he would no longer play after being cut by the New England Patriots, as the parties haggled over guarantees on his contract.
Before that “retirement,” Brown threatened to resign amid a dispute with the Raiders. Finally, after coming to peace on the topic of the helmet, the team gave the receiver the desired release just before the start of the season.
Brown also tweeted an expletive message in November that he would “never play again” after being treated “unfairly.” The tweet has been removed.
Brown played a game in New England last year before it was cut after sending intimidating text messages to a woman who accused the receiver of making unwanted advances towards her.
The bullying charge is one of several off-field incidents for which the NFL is investigating Brown. The league is also investigating civil charges of sexual assault and rape against Brown. Additionally, the wideout declared no competition in early June on robbery and battery charges stemming from a January incident in Florida.
The NFL has not announced punishment for any of these issues while continuing to investigate.
The Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks have been among the teams that have had internal discussions about the possibility of signing Brown. With most teams anticipating eventual suspension, no deal seemed imminent.
Now evidently Brown is taking his name out of the race. Unless you change your mind. Again.
