NFL Twitter rips ESPN for Antonio Brown segment on Monday Night Football

Does Antonio Brown need defending?

Brown has played his way off of three NFL teams, though perhaps calling it “played” is an insult to those who put jerseys on every week. AB routinely threw tantrums and acted as though the rules did not apply to him, forcing his way out of Pittsburgh and Oakland, before eventually flaming out after one game in New England thanks to legal troubles. Those “troubles,” which is putting it lightly, were sexual assault and rape allegations, of which he is still facing a civil lawsuit. Brown also tried to intimidate the victim in a past sexual assault case.

Recently, Brown was given his (fourth?) chance at NFL relevancy, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play with good friend Tom Brady. One week away from his debut, ESPN did far more than just mention Brown in passing, giving him the good, ol’ fashioned PR treatment as the Bucs took on the Giants Monday night.

Giving Brown the benefit of the doubt is a bad look

It’s fair to discuss Brown’s impact on the Bucs receiving core. He’s a player that’s been signed to the roster. But, when it advances past that discussion, into his deplorable legal past and off-field actions, that’s where ESPN goes too far. In fact, it was completely unnecessary.

The Worldwide Leader knows better than this, and it’s surely an error on the announcing side to make lite of Brown’s actions. In no way am I suggesting they agree with Brown’s decisions. But a broadcast booth of a nationally televised sporting event needs to better understand the message they’re sending.

Letting Brown off the hook, in any way, is not appropriate.