Antonio Brown drew criticism for live streaming coach Mike Tomlin's post-game talk from the locker room after the Steelers beat the Chiefs Sunday night.
But while Brown reportedly now faces a fine for violating the NFL's social media policy, some teammates voiced their support for the star wide receiver Monday. And then they circled the wagons to back coach Mike Tomlin's profane comments about the Patriots, saying the incident will not be a distraction as Pittsburgh prepares to face New England in the AFC championship game Sunday.
MORE: NFL playoff picks
Guard Ramon Foster said Brown's social media snafu didn't bother him.
“It wasn't anything malicious," Foster said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. "It just happened his iPhone was really good.”
ESPN reports Brown could be fined for violating the NFL's social media policy, which prohibits players from posting messages on social media from 90 minutes before kickoff until after post-game interviews are completed. Past penalties for violating the policy include a $25,000 fine against Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson in 2010.
Tomlin does not face a fine for his expletive-laden speech, because he was giving what he thought was a private talk to his players after the team's 18-16 upset win over the Chiefs. In the video, Tomlin is heard saying the team had "spotted these a—holes a day and a half" of preparation, talking about the Patriots.
MORE:
"We'll be ready for their a—. But you ain't got to tell them we're coming," Tomlin continued.
Brown removed the post from his Facebook page almost immediately, but as everyone who uses social media should know, once it's out there, it's there forever.
Foster dismissed the comments as typical coach talk.
MORE: Tom Brady claps back at Steelers
“I have no problem with it,” Foster said. “Everybody's an a—hole in this league, in my opinion. You have to be to play this sport. Coaches don't become head coaches by being nice guys.”
Steelers long snapper Greg Warren said what happens in the locker room should stay in the locker room.
“I think there are some things that are kind of sacred,” he said, via the Tribune. “I personally like to keep some of this stuff private. AB is AB. He can do what he wants to do. … We love AB. He's a heck of a player, and we will rally around him. Whatever he needs, we'll help give it to him.
“Personally, I like some of that stuff sacred but this is a changing world, changing environment. I can't be some old guy stuck under a rock, that's for sure.”