Antonio Brown needs to ‘take some steps back,’ Terrell Owens says

Travis Durkee

Antonio Brown needs to ‘take some steps back,’ Terrell Owens says image

Antonio Brown isn’t just battling Raiders general manager Mike Mayock this week, he’s also fighting the dreaded “diva” label that gets attached to talented yet eccentric wide receivers.

And few understand that label better than Hall of Fame wideout Terrell Owens, who offered some advice for Brown.

“Just take some steps back,” Owens told The Players’ Tribune, adding he really wants to talk directly with Brown. “Whatever frustration or feelings you have about yourself, just step back and allow your football to do your speaking for you.”

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Brandon Marshall, who played 13 NFL seasons and went to six Pro Bowls, also chimed in alongside Owens.

“The games is short-lived, so humble yourself,” Marshall said.

The two former All-Pros then disagreed on whether Brown and the Raiders can bury the hatchet as Owens said: “I think [the Raiders] should stick with him. Find a way behind closed doors as men.”

Marshall responded: “If you want to win you have to separate. You can’t win with that type of distraction. If he’s going to get better, OK. But if he’s going to continue this behavior, which he probably will, done.”

The Raiders as of early Friday morning were planning to suspend Brown, ESPN.com reported, after the star wideout and Mayock "got into it" on Wednesday

Per NFL Network, the altercation didn't become physical between Brown and Mayock, but the two screamed at each other before Brown told Mayock he would hit him in the face, punted a football, then allegedly told Mayock to fine him for that.

Brown recently voiced his displeasure over being fined nearly $54,000 for missing mandatory practices and walk-throughs and was given a letter from the team that stated his conduct was becoming "detrimental to the team."

Brown missed the first part of training camp because of frostbite on his feet from not wearing the proper footwear in a cryotherapy machine, and then held out from practice as he filed two grievances against the NFL in an attempt of wearing his outdated helmet.

While his feet have healed and he chose a new helmet to wear for the season, Mayock said recently Brown has to decide if he was "all in" with the Raiders.

Travis Durkee