Antonio Brown to Play vs. Broncos, Avoids Suspension After Apology

The latest development in the Antonio Brown saga will see the star wide receiver playing for the Oakland Raiders in Week 1. 

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden told reporters Friday Brown is back with the team and the plan is for him to play Monday against the Denver Broncos:

This comes after ESPN's Josina Anderson reported Brown issued "an emotional apology" earlier in the day at a Raiders team meeting with the team captains standing by his side. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday the Raiders were planning to suspend Brown following an altercation with general manager Mike Mayock. 

Per Anderson, Brown called Mayock a "cracker" and "unleashed a barrage of cuss words" during Wednesday's altercation at the team's practice. She added Brown initiated the situation because he was unhappy the Raiders fined him for missing one walkthrough and a practice during training camp. 

Brown made his displeasure with the fine, which he was made aware of via a letter from Mayock, known by posting it on social media with this caption: “When your own team want to hate but there's no stopping me now Devil is a lie. Everyone got to pay this year so we clear."

Gruden told reporters after Thursday's practice the team was "preparing to play" without Brown. 

If Brown had been suspended, the Raiders could have potentially voided the $30 million of guaranteed money in his contract and release him without penalty.

Brown was supposed to be the crown jewel of Oakland's offseason when he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. The four-time All-Pro has recorded at least 100 receptions and 1,200 yards in each of the past six seasons.