Fox News Flash top headlines for January 2
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Antonio Brown appears to have played his last game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Head coach Bruce Arians made the announcement during his post-game presser, telling reporters that the embattled wide receiver is "no longer a Buc" after he stunned the crowd at MetLife Stadium during Sunday’s game win over the New York Jets.
He was seen undressing on the field before storming off to the locker room during the third quarter.
New York Jets' Bryce Hall, left, tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Antonio Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
"He is no longer a Buc. Alright, that’s the end of the story. Let’s talk about the guys that went out there and won the game," Arians said.
Brown, who played just six games this season, returned in Week 17 after overcoming an ankle injury this week but with just minutes left in the third quarter, he strangely took off his jersey and shoulder pads and threw the rest of his gear into the stands before exiting the field.
He was seen amping up the crowd in the end zone before finally leaving the field.
While it wasn't clear at the time what led to the outburst, FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer said Arians was trying to get Brown into the game and the wide receiver refused.
He will likely face disciplinary action by the league.
Brady also commented on the incident.
"That’s obviously a difficult situation. I think we all want him to … I think everybody should find, hopefully, do what they can to help him in ways he really needs it. We all love him, we all care about him deeply. We want to see him be at his best and unfortunately, it won’t be with our team," he said.
"We have a lot of friendships that will last. Again, I think that the most important thing about football are the relationships with your friends and your teammates, and they go beyond the field. I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things."
Arians has been one of Brown’s biggest defenders this season. After serving a three-game suspension for using a fake vaccine card, Brown returned under heavy criticism.
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The incident raised concerns regarding a comment Arians previously made upon signing Brown in 2020, when he sternly said, "He screws up one time, he’s gone." But Arians was forced to defend his previous remarks, saying it's about the team, not the player.
"I don't give a s— what they think. All I care about is this football team and what's best for us."
Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Brown recently ripped the media following last week's game against the Carolina Panthers over questions about the vaccine incident.
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"I don’t want to talk about that," Brown told reporters. "You guys are all drama. It’s all about football. We’re going to talk about Carolina or I don’t want to talk to you."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is tackled by Panthers defensive back Myles Hartsfield on Dec. 26, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Brown finished his second season in Tampa with 39 receptions for 519 yards and four touchdowns.