The Antonio Brown drama is not slowing down. In fact, it might be speeding up.
If you're not caught up, the Steelers receiver reportedly missed the final game of the season not due to his injury (he was listed as questionable), but due to a dispute with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. During his end-of-the-year press conference Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin addressed some of the drama surrounding Brown and the team.
Tomlin said, in part, Brown was benched due to a "lack of communication" with the team. He also denied a report claiming Brown requested a trade, but the coach seemed upset with the receiver's actions. When asked if Brown "quit" on his team, Tomlin responded, "You can describe it whatever ways you want to describe it."
Reporter: "Did [Antonio Brown] quit on the [Steelers]?
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) January 2, 2019
Mike Tomlin: "You can describe it whatever ways you want to describe it." pic.twitter.com/H35bZkr7IC
During the middle of Tomlin's press conference, Brown released a statement on Twitter and Instagram that seemingly was related to all of the reports surrounding him.
"My options may seem limited by people or circumstances. It is then that I remind myself I am in command of my attitude," Brown wrote.
Happy New Year. Be great. pic.twitter.com/QLna1LRncL
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) January 2, 2019
In addition to releasing the statement, Brown started following the 49ers on Instagram. About an hour later, he posted three photos to Instagram Stories, one of which featured Jerry Rice in a 49ers uniform with a goat in front of it.
— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) January 2, 2019
It's also worth noting he unfollowed the Steelers on the social media platform.
Does it mean anything? Maybe not. But it at least adds fuel to the speculation that he's upset with his status in Pittsburgh.
It also fuels the talk of Brown wanting to play for the 49ers. Earlier in the week, San Francisco tight end George Kittle reached out to Brown through Twitter, and Brown responded in a positive way.
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) January 1, 2019
Of course, nothing can happen until the new league year starts March 13, but we can expect the drama to continue until then. Such as Brown's "exclusive interview" with former Steelers linebacker James Harrison.
