Tom Brady offers sympathy after Antonio Brown meltdown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown had a meltdown on the sidelines of the game on Sunday, and shortly thereafter, head coach Bruce Arians announced that he has been released by the team.

Brown was seen on the sidelines of the Buccaneers 28-24 win over the Jets sounding off at teammates and coaches, and eventually, Brown ripped off his jersey, pads and undershirt, threw items into the crowd and made a scene as he exited the field. That was certainly the last moment he had in a Buccaneers uniform — but it could also mark the end of his NFL career, which has been highlighted by several controversial off-field stories.

Tom Brady was quick to offer sympathy for Brown after his teammate’s sideline blowup. Brady was a member of the organization that has given Brown a second chance twice in his career; once with the Patriots, after Brown had a slew of off-field issues with the Steelers and very briefly the Raiders, then again with the Buccaneers.

“That’s obviously a difficult situation. I think we all want (Brown) — I think everybody should hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it,” Brady said. “We all love him, we care about him deeply, we want to see him be at his best and unfortunately he will not be with our team. But we have a lot of friendships that will last. I think the most important thing about football are the relationships with your friends and your teammates. And they go beyond the field. I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic towards some very difficult things that are happening.”

Contract, salary ramifications of situation revealed

Brown was seen on the sidelines of the Buccaneers 28-24 win over the Jets sounding off at teammates and coaches, and eventually, Brown ripped off his jersey, pads and undershirt, threw items into the crowd and made a scene as he exited the field.

Brown’s sideline debacle came at a tough time for the former Pro Bowl wide receiver. Not only did it result in his release, but he came just shy off several contract bonuses. According to Spotrac, Brown was eight catches shy of unlocking a $333,333 bonus, 55 receiving yards away from unlocking another $333,333 bonus and just one receiving touchdown shy of a third $333,333 bonus.

Antonio Brown rips off shirt, storms off field

Antonio Brown has been out of the news since joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. However, he’s sure to make headlines for his actions against the New York Jets on Sunday.

With the Buccaneers struggling against the Jets, frustrations were boiling over. Well, something must’ve set Brown off — he decided to take his shirt off, and throw it into the crowd.

It didn’t stop there. Afterwards, Brown ran to the locker room — stopping in the opposite end-zone and waving to the crowd. Before entering the tunnel, Brown threw up the peace sign to the crowd.

Video of Antonio Brown leaving the field after taking off his jersey and shirt and throw it into the stands. pic.twitter.com/1hwNYei5Fq

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 2, 2022

In the past, players like Vontae Davis have retired at halftime of games. Barring a good explanation, the world might’ve seen Antonio Brown on an NFL field for the final time.

At least he went out in style.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.