The New Orleans Saints brought Antonio Brown in for a workout prior to their Week 17 bout with the Carolina Panthers. In a video that he posted to social media, Brown says his workout was a “publicity stunt” for New Orleans.
“I know I got a really crusty tone lately,” Brown says. “But really I’m at peace. I just don’t like the lack of respect in the world. You know, everyone has deadlines. I guess the NFL don’t have a deadline for me, so. I appreciate Sean Payton and them guys for supporting me and bringing me out to work out. But I think it was a publicity stunt for them. Sean Payton know[s] the feeling of being left behind, not being able to interact with his team. I don’t have a team. But it is what it is. We don’t seek comfort. We don’t make excuses. I’m [going to] just keep committing to be the difference. ‘Cause I know I’m the difference.”
Brown has been a free agent ever since he was released by the New England Patriots following the accusations of sexual assault that were made against him. The Saints were searching for some help at wide receiver and expressed interest in bringing in Brown.
Article Continues BelowPrior to the workout, it was reported that New Orleans advised Brown to not bring an entourage to prevent it from becoming a bigger deal than it needed to be. But the troubled wide receiver brought an entourage anyway.
Therefore, Brown's claim that the Saints brought him in as a “publicity stunt” doesn't hold much merit. In reality, New Orleans was trying to avoid the situation from becoming a circus in the media.
As for Brown, he just can't seem to get out of his own way by continuing to make questionable decisions on social media. Until he fixes his off-the-field issues, it's hard to envision a team taking a major risk by signing him. The Saints may be completely in the right for not signing him.