Free-agent WR Antonio Brown suspended eight games
Currently a free agent, Brown's suspension takes effect Week 1, regardless of whether he's on a roster. Brown has been without a team since he was released by the New England Patriots after appearing in just one game for them in 2019.
He could return after Week 8 if signed, but his suspension could be extended if further violations are found related to an ongoing civil suit in Florida, Pelissero added. The league is also looking into civil claims of sexual assault and rape against the 32-year-old receiver.
As part of the discipline, Brown has been "directed to continue his program of counseling and treatment," and "he is expected to fully cooperate with his clinicians," per the NFL's release.
Brown's story has been of nothing but tumult in the last couple of years, with the receiver forcing his way out of Pittsburgh via trade to the Raiders, suffering a foot injury as a result of an issue with cryotherapy, refusing to participate for the Raiders on the grounds of an issue with his helmet, then ultimately forcing his way out of the franchise via release.
Brown's time with New England was over before it really began, and he's since vacillated between claims of retirement and a path toward returning. He'll begin the 2020 season unable to participate, though it remains interesting to see whether a team will take a chance on him now or at some point during the 2020 season.
