"People are giving AB a pass because he's black" - Shannon Sharpe makes explosive claim regarding Antonio Brown situation
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown and his behavior did not go unnoticed by Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe.
The sports commentator said on an episode of the Fox Sports 1 show Undisputed that many are choosing to overlook the actions of Brown due to his race.
Sharpe had this to say about Brown and the apparent exemption that fans have decided to give him despite his recent actions, saying that the same reaction is not given when other NFL quarterbacks are in the news:
"A lot of people giving him a pass because he's black. Let's be all the way real, because I see my timeline, ' Shannon why you keep trying to play the black man?', then why he keeps putting himself in that situation? ... See nobody say I have a problem when I criticize Aaron Rodgers and his behavior, or I say things about Tom Brady or Dak Prescott or Baker Mayfield."
Shannon Sharpe then went on to state that he believes Brown's Week 17 outburst was as a result of his frustration at not getting the opportunity to reach the incentives laid out in his contract.
"I believe. Antonio Brown reacted the way he did not because his ankle was injured. But because he wasn't going to get the targets that he needed to get the incentives that he needed.” - stated Sharpe
People keep coming at me saying, “Shannon, why are you bringing the black man down?” The real question is why is he keep putting himself in these situations.
No one has a problem when I criticize Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Baker Mayfield. AB doesn’t get preferential treatment. https://t.co/ve0zBgJu6a
The Hall of Famer went on to say that Brown has only himself to blame for not reaching his incentive-filled contract, suggesting that the wideout should question how he wound up in such a "situation" in the first place.
"And it's your own fault, because you got to ask yourself this. How can a man that average 114 catches 1500 yards 11 Touchdown over six seasons? Why is he playing for incentive-based contract? Anyway? That's the question you have to ask yourself. How did he put himself in that situation?" - Sharpe said
Fault lies in the individual.
Antonio Brown is solely responsible for his behavior and far too many times people have looked the other way because he can go get you 1800 yards, 130 catches and 15 TDs. This is who he is. twitter.com/undisputed/sta… https://t.co/k7deeOOrWs
Antonio Brown’s final game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer
In Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season, the seven-time Pro Bowl receiver had three receptions on five targets for 26 yards against the New York Jets. But that is not how many NFL fans will remember his final Buccaneers game.
Instead, his antics during the third quarter will most probably remain at the forefront of most people's minds. Brown took off his Tampa Bay uniform and his shoulder pads and threw up a peace sign to the crowd at MetLife Stadium as he exited the field.
For the two-time NFL leader in receiving yards, the future remains uncertain. The 33-year old receiver, like the rest of us, does not know whether or not another team will opt to sign him.