Antonio Brown reportedly not expected to play again this season

Antonio Brown continues to go back and forth with whether or not he wants to play in the NFL again, but a return this season is probably not going to happen regardless of what he decides.

Brown is not expected to play in an NFL game again this season “barring a significant turn of events,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday. Three teams have shown interest in the star wide receiver, but the NFL is still investigating Brown and would likely place him on the commissioner’s exempt list if he’s signed before the investigation concludes. If a team signed Brown and he was then placed on the exempt list, that team would still have to pay him.

Brown has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, and he is expected to meet with the NFL next week to give his side of things. He indicated on Twitter that he believes the NFL is intentionally dragging out his case to prevent him from playing, but Schefter reports that Brown has not turned over all the evidence the NFL has requested in an attempt to gain a better understanding of his case.

In response to Schefter’s report, Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said he expects the 31-year-old to be cleared when he meets with the league.

In response to idea that Antonio Brown is not expected to play again this season, Drew Rosenhaus said: “I'm confident Antonio will play again this season. I believe the NFL should clear him after they interview him this week and I expect he will be signed shortly after that.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2019

Brown made a huge impact in the lone game in which he played for the Patriots, and he looked like he was going to be a natural fit with Tom Brady. However, he was facing a sexual assault lawsuit at the time and then accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman, and New England parted ways with him after he sent troubling text messages to the second alleged victim.

Earlier in the week, Brown went on a social media tirade against the NFL and claimed he would never play in the league again. He quickly backed off (again) and said he is working toward a comeback but is frustrated with how things have played out.