Tomlin, Steelers nearing point of no return with WR Brown
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[January 03, 2019]
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin
acknowledged Wednesday that a time could be near when All-Pro wide
receiver Antonio Brown is more of a distraction than he's worth in
Pittsburgh.
After walking out of Wednesday's practice ahead of the 2018
regular-season finale, Brown was inactive -- with knee discomfort --
against the Bengals on Sunday. Tomlin did not deny that the
perception could be reality, that Brown "quit" on the Steelers when
the team needed a win (and Ravens loss) to continue their season.
NFL Network reported teammates doubted Brown's knee injury claims.
Tomlin, who admitted there was no MRI or X-ray on the knee, said he
had no reason to doubt the wide receiver was hurt.
But the discord has since escalated.
"We're talking about our darkest hour," Tomlin said. "The guy not
communicating is a very real element of discussion."
Tomlin did not deny that there comes a point when a player could be
more of a distraction than he's worth. With three years left on his
contract, Brown is owed $22 million for 2019. Trading him would
bring a salary cap hit of more than $21 million.
Tomlin said Brown was supposed to report to the team facility Monday
and did not show up. He denied Brown requested a trade, as CBS
Sports reported Tuesday.
"I talked to him prior to the game on Sunday," Tomlin said. "I have
not talked to him since then. ... I'm not going to frame any
expectation or conversation. I'm having conversations with a lot of
people in terms of assessing what transpired. I will certainly talk
to him."
Tomlin said he plans to consult players for perspective on how to
handle the ongoing drama with Brown. He said he would welcome good
ideas from any corner of the organization.
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When asked if Brown and Ben Roethlisberger had a confrontation
during Wednesday's practice, Tomlin didn't hesitate.
"No," Tomlin said. "...There's disappointment. There's no denying
that."
Tomlin said he "starts with the thumb" when he takes a step back to
review the results of the season and any player concerns.
"Distractions and things of that nature are part of the job,
particularly in today's NFL. I don't run away from it. In fact, I
embrace it," Tomlin said. "I don't talk about it in the context of
the season. Not that I like it, not that it's enjoyable. It's not.
I'm not running. I'm certainly not seeking comfort in those things.
When you're good, you find ways to minimize them, overlook them."
Tomlin said the Steelers are assessing and reviewing what happened
in 2018, including Le'Veon Bell opting to sit for the entire season
and Brown causing drama in the locker room.
"We're going to pause before we start talking about development of
2019, and that includes any and all free agents for '19," Tomlin
said. "Don't want to speculate a lot. If you're legitimately open to
doing what's necessary to not be here (out of the playoffs) next
year, then we don't rule out anything."
--Field Level Media
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