Jon Gruden says right things about Antonio Brown fiasco

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is supporting Antonio Brown. He doesn’t have a choice.

Gruden talked about Brown’s plight after beating the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night in each team’s first preseason affair. Gruden, entering his second year in his second stint with the Raiders, believes the star receiver will eventually return to the field, once the drama around his frostbitten feet and outlawed helmet are settled. Per NFL.com:

“I don’t know what anybody’s writing or anybody thinks, but this foot injury wasn’t his fault. This was a total accident. It really wasn’t his fault and it’s a serious injury. I know some people are smarting at it, but it’s really not a laughing matter. The guy was hurt. He’s innocent, he didn’t do anything wrong,” said Gruden, who later called the injury an accident. “And the helmet thing is a personal matter to him. 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. And we hope Antonio is back here soon, because he’s exciting to be around. I’m excited. I got some plays for him, I hope we can start calling them.”

The reality? Gruden made the right move by coming out and supporting Brown whether or not he feels such a way internally. Also the reality? He has no other options.

When the Raiders traded a third-round pick in March to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Brown’s services, Oakland also put an additional $30 million into his current contract. All told, Brown now carries cap charges of $14.958 million this season and $17.333 million in 2020. Oakland would lose money releasing him now — which there is no reason to do anyway — and would barely net $2.2 million next year. Come 2021, Brown is due $17.833 million against the cap and would only be $333,334 in dead money to move on from.

In short, this marriage is lasting a minimum of two years. Gruden needs Brown to be a dominant force on the field and a non-divisive one away from it. For now, the parties have to simply get through a difficult time and move forward, because after the actions of both in the recent months, they’re stuck together for the foreseeable future.

All told, Gruden made the right decision is his handling of the predictable questions coming his way. Onto tomorrow.