Brown's release doesn't move the needle on Raiders' AFC odds
September 7th, 2019
How much did Antonio Brown mean to the Oakland Raiders? Not much according to oddsmakers. The team’s AFC Conference odds remain unchanged at +4000 following the Raiders’ decision to release the mercurial wide receiver on Saturday.
AFC Conference winner odds
| Team | 2019-20 AFC Conference Odds |
|---|
New England Patriots | +280 |
Kansas City Chiefs | +300 |
Cleveland Browns | +675 |
Los Angeles Chargers | +700 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | +1000 |
Houston Texans | +1200 |
Baltimore Ravens | +1600 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | +1600 |
Tennessee Titans | +2200 |
Indianapolis Colts | +2500 |
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The stunning move came just hours after the 31-year-old Brown took to Instagram demanding to be released by the franchise. “I’m not mad at anyone,” he wrote. “I’m just asking for the freedom to prove them all wrong. Release me @raiders.”
Antonio Brown’s Instagram post: “You are gonna piss a lot of people off when you start doing what’s best for you ...” pic.twitter.com/ayuSuzQCfW
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 7, 2019
Antonio Brown Raiders timeline
The move brings an end to Brown’s short, but exhausting, tenure with the team. Here’s a brief timeline of the erratic behavior that led to his departure:August 3: Brown posted a photo on Instagram of the extensive damage done to his feet after he neglected to wear appropriate footwear during a cryotherapy session. He subsequently missed 10 weeks of the Raiders’ training camp.
August 9: Brown filed his first of two grievances with the league to wear his old helmet despite the fact that it was deemed to be unsafe. Both grievances were denied and he publicly threatened to retire.
September 5: Brown allegedly called Oakland general manager Mike Mayok a "cracker" and threatened to hit him before being restrained by several teammates.
September 6: Brown posted a phone call on YouTube of a private conversation with Jon Gruden in which the Raiders coach implored him to "Just play football."
I feel sorry for Antonio Brown. He’s been blessed with amazing talent but he’s lost track of the fact that football is a team game. So is life. He thinks he’s the victim but he’s missing out on the real joy that comes from being part of a team. He’ll be the big loser in the end!
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) September 7, 2019
Brown is now free to sign with any other team after 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, although it remains unclear who would be willing to assume such a substantial risk. Stay tuned as more details become available.
Update: Patriots Sign Brown
Well, that didn't take long. The New England Patriots swooped in and signed Brown on Saturday afternoon to an incentive-laden one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The Central Michigan alum is the latest reclamation project for the defending champs who had success previously reviving the careers - and reputations - of Corey Dillon and Randy Moss.The Raiders said Antonio Brown would play on Friday and he was a Patriot by Saturday.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 7, 2019
Brown is not eligible to play on Sunday, but could suit up as early as Week 2 when the Patriots travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins.
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