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HOF selectors 'open' to inducting controversial WR
Antonio Brown Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

HOF selectors 'open' to inducting controversial WR

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has had its fair share of personalities enshrined over the years. A controversial receiver from the past decade may just find his way in as well.

Many Hall of Fame selectors are reportedly "open" to the idea of WR Antonio Brown entering the Hall of Fame. Over his playing career, Brown led the NFL in receptions, was second in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns.

Brown may have been on pace to become the best receiver ever, posting six straight seasons with 100+ catches and 1,200+ yards, but his time in Pittsburgh ended abruptly ahead of the Steelers' 2018 season finale. 

Brown had reportedly gotten into a heated disagreement with a teammate and missed meetings and practices that week. The Steelers made him an inactive for the game, and the following season, they traded Brown to the Raiders.

One of Brown's former teammates told ESPN issues between Brown and the team had been "brewing for years," but head coach Mike Tomlin had let a lot slide because AB was one of the league's most productive offensive players. 

Brown's time as a Raider didn't last long. He missed time due to frostbitten feet by not wearing proper footwear during a cryotherapy session, filed two grievances surrounding helmets that were banned, threatened to retire from football if he was forced to wear a new helmet and was fined $54,000 for unexcused absences and missing two team practice sessions.

Brown later confronted general manager Mike Mayock in a verbal altercation where it was reported that he threatened to hit Mayock and had to be held back by several teammates. Brown was cut from the team shortly after demanding his release.

On the same day he was released from the Raiders, Brown signed a one-year deal with the Patriots. But after allegations of sexual and personal misconduct came to light just two weeks into the season, he was cut.

After serving an eight-game suspension for multiple violations of the league's personal-conduct policy, Brown joined the Buccaneers, with whom he won Super Bowl LV. Following the game, he agreed to return to Tampa Bay in 2021 on a one-year deal. 

But then in Week 17 during a game vs. the Jets, Brown took off his jersey, shoulder pads, glove, and shirt and ran off the field into the locker room. Head coach Bruce Arians said Brown "is no longer a Buc " in a postgame press conference.

Brown was released shortly after the incident and hasn't played since. Given his personal conduct and the serious allegations surrounding the player, many believe he shouldn't even be considered for the Hall of Fame.

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