Antonio Brown always makes for interesting theater in addition to being a tremendous football player, and Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has already experienced that first hand.
Speaking about Brown on Friday, Gruden said he was pumped to have his wide receiver back on the field, but also acknowledged how odd the past couple of weeks have been:
“It’s great to have him back,” said Gruden, according to Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review-Journal. “It’s been a strange, strange couple weeks. … He appears to be in great spirits, and he appears to be ready to get going.”
Brown's journey to Oakland began back in March when the Pittsburgh Steelers honored his trade request by trading him to the Raiders for a third-round draft pick and a fifth-rounder.
The 31-year-old took part in the Raiders' offseason workouts and then showed up for training camp on time late last month, arriving via hot air balloon. He was then immediately placed on the non-football injury list but was removed less than 48 hours later and partially practiced with the team.
Brown then stopped football activities, as it was revealed that he sustained frostbite on his feet after spending time in a cryotherapy chamber without the proper footwear.
But that wasn't the only reason for Brown's absence.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was also embroiled in a battle with the NFL over the usage of his helmet, which the league has banned for no longer being certified by the NOCSAE.
Brown, who apparently threatened to step away from the game if the NFL did not allow him to wear his helmet, then filed a grievance against the league and lost.
He proceeded to return to camp this past Tuesday.
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