NFL star axed after walking out on team in mid-game meltdown

NFL star Antonio Brown has been cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after walking out on the team during a spectacular mid-game meltdown on Monday morning (AEDT).

With the Buccaneers trailing 24-10 during the third quarter of their clash with the New York Jets, Brown was seen on the sideline removing his playing jersey, before launching it into the crowd as his fellow wide receiver Mike Evans attempted to reason with him.

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A shirtless Brown then proceeded to make his way across the field, while the game was still being played, before giving a peace sign to the crowd and making his way up the tunnel.

He was not sighted again for the remainder of the game.

It is unknown exactly what prompted Brown’s outburst, but reports surfaced after the game which indicated the 33-year-old had refused to enter the game when asked by Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, prompting Arians to tell him to ‘get out’.

Speaking to media post-match, Arians confirmed the team had parted ways with seven-time Pro Bowler following his antics.

“He is no longer a Buc, alright. That’s the end of the story,” Arians said,

“Let’s talk about the guys that went out there and won the game.”

The distraction caused by Brown’s histrionics didn’t deter the Bucs’ however, with superstar quarterback Tom Brady leading a fourth quarter comeback that saw Tampa Bay snatch a 28-24 victory in the dying seconds of the game.

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Somewhat surprisingly, Brady was not critical of Brown’s actions, instead choosing to express empathy towards his former teammate.

“It’s obviously a difficult situation,” Brady said.

“I think everybody should do what they can to help him in the ways that he needs it.

“We all love him and care about him deeply and we want to see him be at his best. Unfortunately it won’t be with our team but we have a lot of friendships that will last.

The most important thing about football are the relationships with your friends and your teammates and they go way beyond the field.

“I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening.”

Following his outburst, Brown was spotted waiting for an Uber outside MetLife Stadium. New York City driver Danny Chalet later posted a video on social media of Brown as his passenger.

Brown was in the headlines earlier this season after he was suspended for three games by the NFL for forging his proof of vaccination.

It remains to be seen if he will garner interest from other NFL franchises or if this latest controversy will put an end to his career for good.

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