Hard Knocks is upon us and Antonio Brown has come knocking with a far more intriguing story than his alleged overzealous cryotherapy session that blistered his feet, alluded to in the last episode.
Cold feet are unfortunately the least of the Raiders‘ problems from the seven time Pro Bowl wide receiver. Adam Schefter broke the news on Friday afternoon regarding a rare, but significant League procedure: the helmet grievance.
Brown filed a helmet grievance against the League requesting that he be permitted his own personal choice of head-protection rather than the NOCSAE certified helmet that the League and the NFLPA have collaborated to enforce.
In wake of the massive brain-injury controversy that has shrouded the NFL for the past several years, the League and Player’s Association worked together to create stringent helmet guidelines, and have even enforced discipline against players who refuse to follow the helmet protocol.
For Brown, the certified helmet hinders his vision-an understandable frustration for a position so keenly dependent upon clear sight. Still, allowing an exception would be a dangerous precedent for a League already drowning in the depths of its own inconsistencies.
On brand for Tony Toe-Tap, the wide receiver claims that he will not play any football games unless he is permitted to wear his decade-old helmet. This is a poetic move for the wide receiver who caused great discord in Pittsburgh, and so desperately wanted a fresh start. Steelers fans are undoubtedly enjoying the controversy now that it has no affect on their roster.
No one, particularly the Raiders personnel, can pretend like this was unforeseeable. Signing one of the most ornery players in the League brings inevitable controversy. It’s going to be a long season for the Raiders and for Brown with problems arising, head to toe.
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