If you’d thought that the convoluted saga that was Antonio Brown’s 2019 — one which involved a high-profile move away from the Raiders and accusations of sexual assault and rape — was over when he left New England later this year, think again.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Brown has been seen working out with the New Orleans Saints. “Saints are doing their due diligence,” Schefter wrote on Twitter.
Free-agent WR Antonio Brown is in New Orleans this morning, working out for the Saints, per source. Saints are doing their due diligence.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
NESN’s report on Brown’s workout notes that the initial news of his training session came from Brown himself. “Brown broke the news himself when he posted a photo of his Saints free agent waiver and a video from inside what appeared to be New Orleans’ locker room on his Instagram story,” wrote Zack Cox. “He has since deleted the photo.”
Via Twitter, the NFL Network’s Adam Rapoport added a critical piece of information regarding Brown potentially signing for the Saints. Given the severity of the accusations against him and the fact that the NFL’s investigation is still ongoing, Brown would likely be placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list.
Important note: The NFL has made clear that if someone signs AB, he’s likely headed to the Commissioner’s Exempt list until his investigation is complete. https://t.co/Fax00YmAbV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019
What would that mean? An explanation of the list from NBC Sports’ Phil Perry described it as “in effect, paid leave.”
“A player on the exempt list is not allowed to practice or attend games, but he is allowed to be present at the facility for meetings, to work out, and to receive treatment,” Perry wrote.
Brown is not currently on the exempt list, but the league has suggested that he could be, given their ongoing investigation.
From @gmfb: The #Saints are working out FA WR Antonio Brown today. He is not currently on the Commissioner's Exempt list. The NFL said this season, "If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation." pic.twitter.com/eonlQVt8no
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019
The Saints are presently gearing up for the postseason. Whether Brown factors into those plans remains to be seen — with plenty of variables still in the mix.
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