Report: Bruce Arians Explains What He Says Led to Antonio Brown’s Departure

Tampa Bay’s coach detailed his interaction with Antonio Brown before Sunday’s strange exit.

Antonio Brown’s exit from the field at MetLife Stadium on Sunday was one of the NFL season’s strangest moments, and the incident seemed to confound even Brown’s former head coach. 

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians briefly explained his side of Sunday’s interaction following his team’s 28–24 victory. Arians told Fox Sports’s Jay Glazer that he attempted to get Brown into the game, but the wide receiver refused the request. Brown then took off his jersey before leaving the field, per Arians. 

Just talked to Bruce Arians who said he was trying to get AB to go into game & AB refused. Tried again Brown refused & Arians told him to get out. On if he saw AB take his jersey off.

“Yeah, I did. Never seen anything like it in all my years.” @NFLonFOX

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 2, 2022

Arians said Brown is “no longer a Buc” following the third-quarter incident. Tampa Bay erased a 14-point deficit despite Brown’s absence on Sunday, winning the game on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Cyril Grayson. 

The Buccaneers advanced to 12–4 in 2021 with Sunday’s victory. They will conclude the regular season on Jan. 9 in a home contest against the Panthers. 

For more Buccaneers news, head over to All Bucs.