Antonio Brown's future with his new team the Oakland Raiders has been thrown into doubt after reports of a huge bust-up with general manager Mike Mayock that could see the wide receiver suspended.
Brown has been in the news all summer since making a big-money move from the Pittsburgh Steelers to Oakland - firstly threatening to quit the sport entirely due to a row with the league over what type of helmet he could wear.
After missing team practice because of his grievances, he was fined by the Raiders, but then posted his fine letter on social media, which drew even more anger from GM Mayock.
According to several reports in America, Brown and Mayock had a heated face-to-face showdown with even Brown reportedly threatening to hit Mayock as tempers flared.
A short statement from Mayock after the incident hinted that the team were preparing some form of further sanction on Brown, who wasn't then present.
"Antonio Brown is not in the building today. He won't be practicing," said Mayock.
"I don't have any more information for you right now. When I have some and it becomes appropriate, you guys [the media] will all get it, I promise you.
"But that's it for today."
More trouble for Raiders
The situation is a further headache for Raiders coach Jon Gruden who has continually had to work without his star receiver throughout the summer due to the helmet incident and also the bizarre moment when Brown suffered from frostbite from a cryotherapy chamber.
If the Raiders do suspend Brown, they can do so for up to four games and that sanction would also see Brown miss out on over $29 million in bonuses over the next two years - a move that will surely see him want to move teams again.
"I'm not going to get into any of that stuff right now," said a frustrated Gruden. "We'll have an official announcement later."
The coach also said that they';ve prepared thoroughly without Brown all summer so would start the season without him if necessary.
"We've been going out for practice every day and we adjusted without him. We never knew sometimes when he was going to practice. So we're good at it. We're good at adapting and adjusting. Unfortunately. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed."
Oakland start the new season with a home game against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
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