Antonio Brown has filed a grievance with the NFL over the league’s new helmet safety rule, and the Oakland Raiders are expecting to hear a decision on the case by the end of next week, according to a report.
Brown has been playing with what is believed to be a Schutt Air Advantage helmet that is no longer manufactured, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That helmet is no longer certified by the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment and does not pass the rule that helmets must be made within the last 10 years.
Brown reportedly spoke with an arbitrator on Friday about the matter. League officials joined in on the call, per Schefter.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported Friday evening that the Raiders expect to receive a decision on the matter by the end of next week.
Expectation by the Raiders is that they get a decision on the Antonio Brown helmet arbitration case by end of next week. Could be he is back before then. Dont get any sense that retirement is realistic at all
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 10, 2019
Brown reportedly has not been in contact with the Raiders as he deals with the helmet issue and widely reported foot problems. Schefter says that Brown’s primary issue is the helmet matter, not his feet.
If that truly is the issue and Brown is that passionate about wearing his old helmet, the NFL should consider creating a grandfather provision that would allow veterans like Brown to continue wearing their helmet if they choose, similar to what the NHL did when they mandated players wear helmets. If the league is concerned about a legal risk, they should make Brown sign a waiver. The rule should force all new players to wear the new helmets. Over time, every player will be compliant with the rule. For now, it appears the Raiders would be fined if Brown wears his non-compliant helmet.
