Raiders’ Jon Gruden defends Antonio Brown amid retirement threat

Antonio Brown’s first training camp with the Raiders has been chaotic, and it apparently might be his last if he doesn’t get what he wants, but his head coach is sticking up for him.

Jon Gruden defended Brown Saturday after an ESPN report said Brown could quit the NFL if he’s not allowed to wear the helmet he’s worn throughout his career. This comes as Brown is dealing with burns on his feet after not wearing the proper footwear in a cryotherapy machine.

“There’s been a lot of reports out there. I can’t say I agree with all of them, certainly, but I support this guy. I think that’s what needs to be said,” Gruden told reporters after the Raiders’ preseason win over the Rams. “I don’t know what anybody’s writing or what anybody thinks, but this foot injury wasn’t his fault. This was a total accident. It really wasn’t his fault, and it’s a serious injury. I know that some people are [joking] at it, but it’s really not a laughing matter. The guy is hurt, he’s innocent, he didn’t do anything wrong, and the helmet thing is a personal matter to him. He has a strong feeling about what he’s worn on his head, and we’re supporting him. We understand the league’s position as well, so we’re in a tough spot.

“We hope Antonio is back here soon because he’s exciting to be around,” Gruden added. “I’m excited. I’ve got some plays for him, I hope we can start calling them.”

Brown, whose dramatic camp began with him arriving on a hot air balloon, reportedly has thrown a fit over the fact that the helmet he’s traditionally worn is now banned by the NFL because it’s not up to its new safety standards. Oakland acquired Brown from Pittsburgh during the offseason, but if he follows through on his retirement threat, he’ll leave having never stepped on the field for the Raiders.

“I’m not gonna speculate. I have a lot of confidence that he’s one of the premier competitors I’ve ever been around,” Gruden said. “And I’ve got a feeling he would play with no helmet, that’s how much he loves to play. But I’m not going to put words in anybody’s mouth. We’re going to support him, and whatever his decision is, we’ll stand by it. But we’re confident that he’s going to be a huge factor for the Raiders for years to come.”

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