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Antonio Brown Posts Tweet Seeking Newer Version of Helmet After Losing Grievance
August 13, 2019
If you own a Schutt Air Advantage helmet that's less than 10 years old, Antonio Brown is ready to make a deal.
The Oakland Raiders wide receiver tweeted Tuesday he's willing to exchange an autographed Raiders helmet for one that's approved by the NFL:
An arbitrator ruled against Brown after he filed a grievance in order to continue wearing his preferred helmet, which is no longer certified by the National Operating Commission on Standards for Athletic Equipment, per USA Today's Mike Jones.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the seven-time Pro Bowler was prepared to walk away from football altogether if he was unable to use his helmet. Brown argued "the new certified helmet protrudes out and interferes with his vision as he tries to catch the football."
Following the arbitrator's ruling, Brown indicated he would return to the Raiders:
Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith reported the NFL struck a deal with Brown that permits him to wear a Schutt Air Advantage helmet that's less than 10 years old. Schutt ceased making the model in 2011, so there remains a small window in which Brown could find a solution that meets the time threshold.
Brown's helmet saga adds to a busy offseason. First came his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then he suffered "extreme frostbite" after wearing the wrong footwear during a cryotherapy session.
Between the foot injury and his grievance, he has missed most of the Raiders' offseason activities.