Contract, salary ramifications of Antonio Brown's meltdown revealed

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.

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.

More on Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

To say Antonio Brown’s road to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was tumultuous would be an understatement. Still, it seemed like the star wide receiver finally got his affairs in order with the Buccaneers.

After coming on late last season following a suspension, Brown helped the Buccaneers to their second Super Bowl victory. Throughout the year, he showed great chemistry with Brady — the quarterback who vouched for him on multiple occasions.

However, controversy has returned regarding the star receiver once again. First, Brown was suspended earlier this season due to being caught with a fake vaccine card. Now, Brown has seemingly walked out on the Buccaneers — and his career as a professional football player.

Prior to his hiccups, Brown was enjoying a productive season. In just six games, the Buccaneers wide receiver accumulated 519 yards and four touchdowns. After his outburst against the New York Jets, the wide receiver will be hard-pressed to find an opportunity to improve upon his numbers.