Gruden defends AB; calls helmet ‘private’ difficulty
OAKLAND — Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden stated he hopes to see Antonio Brown return to coaching camp quickly whereas defending the enigmatic receiver as he offers with frostbitten ft suffered in a cryotherapy mishap final month in France and a grievance in opposition to the league relating to his helmet.
“I help this man. I feel that is what must be stated,” Gruden stated following the Raiders’ 14-Three exhibition-opening win over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday on the Oakland Coliseum. “I do not know what anyone’s writing or what anyone thinks, however this foot harm wasn’t his fault. This was a complete accident. It actually wasn’t his fault, and it is a critical harm. I do know that some individuals are [joking about] it, nevertheless it’s actually not a laughing matter. The man is damage, he did not do something flawed, and the helmet factor is a private matter to him.”
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Brown started camp on the Non-Soccer Damage listing with the soles of his ft cracked and therapeutic. He got here off the listing two days later and has participated in a single pre-practice walkthrough, on July 28. He was restricted on July 30 earlier than leaving early.
The Raiders have had 11 camp practices and one preseason recreation up to now. Brown has not been on the Raiders’ Napa, California, camp web site as he gathered data on his ft and stewed about his helmet. The helmet is believed to be a 10-year-old Schutt Air Benefit mannequin, which the corporate now not makes and thus is now not licensed by the Nationwide Working Committee for Requirements and Athletic Gear. In brief, it’s unlawful to make use of in video games.
Brown, who believes the newer licensed helmets protrude out and inhibit his imaginative and prescient, had a convention name with an unbiased arbitrator on Friday, although no ruling has been issued, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. One may come as early as subsequent week. Ought to Brown put on the helmet in a recreation, the staff is accountable for a effective.
Different high-profile gamers comparable to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, in addition to a “handful of Raiders gamers,” per a league supply, have balked on the change however have demurred.
“He has a robust feeling about what he is worn on his head, and we’re supporting him,” Gruden stated of Brown. “We perceive the league’s place as nicely, so we’re in a troublesome spot, and we hope Antonio is right here quickly as a result of he is thrilling to be round. I am excited. I’ve acquired some performs for him. I hope we are able to begin calling them.”
Whereas Brown, acquired by Oakland in a commerce for a third- and a fifth-round choose in March from the Pittsburgh Steelers and promptly given a three-year, $50.125 million contract, has reportedly threatened to retire if not allowed to put on his helmet, Gruden wouldn’t speculate.
“I’ve a variety of confidence that he is one of many premier opponents that I’ve ever been round,” Gruden stated. “And I’ve acquired a sense he would play with no helmet — that is how a lot he likes to play. However I am not going to place phrases in anyone’s mouth. We will help him, and no matter his choice is, we’ll stand by it. However we’re assured that he’ll be an enormous issue for the Raiders for years to come back.
“It was a complete accident and harm that he is seeking to get proper from, and hopefully, with all of the those who have seen it, that he is gotten it cured, and he is able to roll.”