Antonio Brown is no longer a Nike athlete and I couldn’t possibly figure out why
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
FOXBORO, Mass. — Antonio Brown has lost another endorsement, this time with sports apparel monolith Nike. Michael Silverman, now with the Boston Globe, reported the news on Thursday.
However, Nike’s decision is shrouded in mystery. The spokesperson reportedly only told Silverman, “Antonio Brown is not a Nike athlete.” Nike would not elaborate on its reasoning for cutting ties with Brown or the timing of the decision. Which leaves everyone wondering what the hell happened there.
It’s unlikely the decision has anything to do with the multiple allegations of sexual assault and one accusation of rape in a civil suit filed by his former trainer, which the NFL is currently investigating. Certainly it has nothing to do with reports that he’s stiffed numerous former clients out of unpaid wages. I’m certain it is absolutely positively not a result of farting in his doctor’s face and allegedly not paying his medical bills. And it for sure has nothing to do with the civil suit’s accusation that he has had trouble balancing all of his other endorsement deals and chronically shows up late to events and other obligations.
Perhaps it relates to known facts, like his demand of the Oakland Raiders to release him. Or his training camp holdout over his helmet deal with Xenith, which purely out of coincidence also decided to cut ties with the Patriots receiver. Or his disdain for Raiders GM Mike Mayock over receiving a fine. Or his recording of a phone call with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. It’s hard to tell if any of these incidents have anything to do with Nike’s decision to remove him from their athlete clientele.
Until Nike gives a concrete reason, we may never know why Brown is no longer a Nike athlete. We promise we’ll get to the bottom of this.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
