If Antonio Brown was hoping to find a sympathetic ear in his quest to wear the helmet of his choice in 2019, he’s going to have to keep looking.
The NFL crushed Brown’s hopes of disregarding the league-mandated helmet for the 2019-2020 season, by telling him the helmet of his choice is out-dated and will not be approved.
According to NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy:
The player can’t practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved. If he doesn’t play or practice he is in breach of his contract and doesn’t get paid. Nfl policy is that Helmets have to be certified by NOSCAE National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment]. They don’t certify equipment that’s old than 10 years.
The specific helmet Brown wants to wear, is over 10 years old.
Last week, reports surfaced that Brown would refuse to play football ever again, if he was forced to wear the new league-mandated helmet.
Brown’s coach Jon Gruden recently voiced support for his star player.
“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.
“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.”
Brown is due to make over $30 million over the next two years.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn