It doesn’t sound like the NFL will cave on their helmet battle with Raiders star Antonio Brown. The NFL’s public relations czar sent out a reminder on social media that players cannot practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved (Twitter link). Furthermore, if a player in that scenario does not play or practice, said player (read: Brown) will be in breach of his contract and will not get paid. 
The NFL’s policy mandates that every helmet used must be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOSCAE). The NOSCAE does not certify equipment that is older than ten years, which means that Brown’s favorite helmet is not kosher in the eyes of the league.
Brown, meanwhile, has threatened to retire if he is not permitted to play with the helmet that he has used throughout his career. For their part, the Raiders expect Brown to report to the club soon. And, over the weekend, Jon Gruden offered some public support for the mercurial wide receiver.
This is like like going to pick up a woman for a first date and she tells you about her husband. Not a good start
How many times has that happened to you?
How funny. I already heard about you.
NFL just released that the arbiter ruled against AB. He can’t wear his helmet. Is he going to retire now? Lol
This is getting blown out of proportion. He will be wearing a new helmet and on that field when he wants to. Not like the raiders are going to play him much if at all this preseason anyways.
I mean, AB is kinda the one blowing this out of proportion
He definitely is. “The NFL is requiring you, and others, to wear an updated helmet for safety concerns”…”I quit!”
Gruden is proving he’s overmatched as is his ESPN TV guy as the “GM”. It’s like watching ‘Married w/ Children’ or ‘Always Sunny…”. Pure comedy!
Always Sunny is a fantastic show. Good call.
always sunny. “The gang runs a NFL team. “
Traded him in my dynasty league last year for Nick Chubb and Robert Woods. Feeling pretty great about that now.
Congrats on your fantasy trade man
Gruden is setting a great example backing Brown on more of his childishness. I am enjoying watching the NFL call out Mr Big Pest on his bellyaching. “Wanna retire? Go right ahead.”
What do you want Gruden to do? Go against his own player? May as well offer a little support and keep him happy with the team itself. Last thing they need is him causing a problem there and bringing his diva circus to their team. At least his current antics don’t directly affect the team off the field.
It’s weird that the helmet he has been using isn’t approved based on age and not on if it’s a viable helmet. NFL and the safety board are trying to cover themselves but it seems like a petty battle.
Also have to wonder if the Raiders are able to void the trade. They are stuck with a guy who has been kind of a pest since they traded for him. I’m sure it’ll work out but I have to wonder when they give in and say enough is enough in regards to the drama surrounding him.
I’m curious what grounds you think that Raiders would have for getting that trade voided. He acted in a very similar bizarre fashion at times as a Steeler, so it’s not like the Raiders didn’t know his behavior might be an issue. His behavior was the primary reason that the return was only 3rd and 5th round draft picks, but even then most people st the time of the trade thought the Raiders had robbed the Steelers in the deal. Buyer beware.
They can try to void the trade right after they nullify the contract they gave him. The Steelers side of the trade is looking better all the time.
Why would the Raiders be able to void the trade? They knew what they were getting. His attitude is a big reason why teams weren’t exactly jumping at the chance to acquire him. It’s why he’s a Raider instead of on a contender. They are stuck with him. He could retire over this today and they still can’t get those picks back.
Can’t cancel it now out off buyers remorse.
The reason I would think to look into it is they traded for a player who is now refusing to report. Attitude or not, they traded for the player. If he just doesn’t show, I don’t see how they can’t void either the trade or the contract they signed him to.
Bye Felicia!
Wow, that was sooo funny!! You’re that guy now!!!
Oddly enough, it was the same helmet Antonio Brown is fighting for that he was wearing when he suffered a concussion after being hit by Vontaze Burfict a few years ago.
No helmet is protecting him against that hit.
Seems to me the NFL could have him sign a waiver and release. Especially, considering his threats to sue if he has to where their approved helmet.
Of all the players in the NFL only he complains? He is a diva and the Steelers were lucky!!!
The media is the one out of control. AB has not had one interview, one press conference or one statement about this issue. He filed a grievance with the NFL. The correct way to do things. Then the fake news are making stories up about quitting football, going AWOL and every other non issue
What a BABY !! Grow UP !!
this crap is the last thing we need. c’mon!
Just a smokescreen to overshadow his idiotic frostbite incident and also to probably squeeze the helmet vendors to start ponying up $$$$ to get him to wear heir kid.
Their lid…