Antonio Brown's lawyer responds to suspension, COVID-19 violation
On Thursday, the NFL suspended three players for violations of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown, for three games after investigations.
In addition to Brown, safety Mike Edwards and free agent John Franklin III have been suspended after they “misrepresented their (COVID-19) vaccination status,” according to a press release from the NFL. All three players have waived their rights to appeal, meaning they’ve accepted the suspensions.
Brown’s lawyer, Sean Burstyn, released a statement through NFL Insider Ian Rappoport shortly after the league announced the suspension, which contradicts the NFL’s findings. A previous report from the Tampa Bay Times suggests that Brown forged his COVID-19 vaccine card, and submitted a falsified document to the Buccaneers, which was interpreted as a real card. Burstyn said that Brown is, in fact, vaccinated against COVID-19, despite what the league’s investigation may imply.
“Mr. Brown is vaccinated and continues to support the vaccine for any person for whom it is appropriate,” the statement said. “The NFL made its determination and, instead of going through the drawn out and distracting process of challenging the outcome, Mr. Brown wrapped this up promptly and he will make the most of this time by treating his ankle injury. Mr. Brown will be motivated, well rested and in the best shape of his life when he returns in Week 16.”
Buccaneers, NFLPA respond to Brown’s reported fake COVID-19 vaccine card, suspension
The NFL and NFL Players’ Association released a joint statement about the decisions.
“The health and safety of players and personnel is our top priority,” the statement read. “The protocols were jointly developed working with our respective experts to ensure that we are practicing and playing football as safely as possible during the ongoing pandemic. The NFL-NFLPA jointly reinforce their commitment and further emphasize the importance of strict adherence to the protocols to protect the well-being of everyone associated with the NFL.”
The Buccaneers responded to the suspensions with a brief statement on their Twitter.
“We appreciate the League’s timely handling of this matter and recognize the importance of the health and safety protocols that have been established,” the statement read. “We will continue to implement all league COVID-19 protocols.”
Brown is one of Tampa Bay’s top weapons and was accused last month of using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card. He has been dealing with an ankle injury, so he hasn’t played since Week 6. ESPN previously reported he would miss another couple weeks with the injury.
Edwards has 35 tackles for Tampa Bay along with three interceptions — two of which were pick-sixes against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. Franklin, a former Auburn standout, was most recently on the Buccaneers before he was released on Aug. 17.
The suspensions are effective immediately, the league said. Tampa Bay is getting ready to take on the Falcons Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.