Seahawks' Wilson says WR Brown deserves another chance

[October 23, 2020]  Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson believes that embattled wide receiver Antonio Brown deserves another chance to play in the NFL.

If that chance arrives in Seattle, where the Seahawks reportedly are pushing to sign Brown, Wilson said he and his teammates would welcome him without judgment.

"I think Antonio definitely has taken those steps (in the right direction), and like I said, nobody's perfect," Wilson said Thursday. "From the conversations I've had with him, he's really been remorseful and he's been humbled along the way. Like I said, I pray that he can continue to grow, just like anybody."

Brown is suspended through Week 8, after which he could join a team to bolster its receiving corps. Brown and Wilson have worked out together in the past at Wilson's offseason home near San Diego.

"I think the reality about Antonio is he is one of the best players to play this game, obviously," Wilson said. "I think that he has always been a special player in terms of (on) the field. The reality with Antonio is, he's had some tough moments in his life, especially as of late. I think he's gone through a lot of things he wishes he could take back and do, and just not say, whatever it might be.

"But I think he is a special player, for sure. I don't know what's going to happen with him or not. I don't know how serious it is us getting him or not. But I do know that obviously he can play some football. I think that's the thing. I've developed a personal relationship with him, and not everybody is perfect. And I think that's the reality, none of us are. So hopefully he gets to play football again."

New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Brown, 32, has been a free agent since September 2019, when the New England Patriots released him after one game following allegations of sexual assault and send intimidating text messages to an accuser. Those allegations led to an NFL's investigation.

In June 2020, Brown was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and enroll in a 13-week anger management course by a Florida court after pleading no contest to an assault charge unrelated to the allegations of sexual assault.

As part of the discipline, the league directed Brown to continue his counseling and treatment program.

Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, had 104 catches for 1,297 yards and a league-best 15 touchdown receptions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, his last full season. He has 841 career receptions for 11,263 yards and 75 TDs.

--Field Level Media

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