12:31 PM PT -- Antonio Brown says he did NOT hurl a racial slur at Raiders GM Mike Mayock -- telling ESPN's Dianna Russini, "Everything has been blown out of proportion."
Russini says Brown is adamant he would never use racist language -- and strongly denies ANY sort of "scuffle" with Mayock.
"Antonio Brown told me there was never a scuffle at practice. He said he did not use the word 'cracker' and would never use that word...Everything has been blown out of proportion," Russini reports.
Instead, Brown describes the situation with Mayock this way -- "I spoke with Mike Mayock 1-on-1, man-to-man."
12:17 PM PT -- Antonio Brown just broke his silence on the recent drama ... telling reporters, "I’m excited to be out here today. I want to apologize to my teammates, the organization."
"Enough talk, man. I’m excited to be out here with my teammates, grateful for all the fans, and I’m excited to be part of the Raiders, and see you guys soon."
#Raiders WR Antonio Brown “I’m excited to be out here with my team. I apologized to my teammates. Enough talk.” @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/N6otdQx9FT
— MJ Acosta (@MJAcostaTV) September 6, 2019
10:56 AM PT -- Brown will NOT be suspended for the Raiders' season opener Monday ... with Jon Gruden saying the plan is for AB to play against the Broncos.
Statement from #Raiders HC Jon Gruden: “Antonio is back today. We’re excited about that. Ready to move on.” Gruden says the plan is to have Antonio Brown play on Monday @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/UCq1n1JPUZ
— MJ Acosta (@MJAcostaTV) September 6, 2019
9:20 AM PT -- Brown just spoke at a team meeting and issued an "emotional apology" to the Raiders ... ESPN's Josina Anderson reports.
Anderson adds Oakland's team captains stood alongside the receiver.
Antonio Brown hurled a racial slur at Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock during their heated altercation this week -- calling him a "cracker" -- so says ESPN.
ESPN's Josina Anderson says multiple sources confirm Brown "unleashed a barrage of cuss words during the altercation" ... including using the word "cracker," a derogatory term for white people.
Anderson reports Mayock "tried to keep his cool during the situation" and tried to walk away as he saw things starting to escalate.
The news comes in the wake of NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reporting that Brown threatened to punch Mayock in the face during the altercation that started over Mayock's decision to fine AB roughly $54k for missing workouts.
The Raiders are currently weighing their options with Brown and could cut him before their season opener on Monday Night Football -- which would be a HUGE move considering they just signed him to a 3-year, $50 million contract this offseason.
Brown's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says he's working like a maniac trying to salvage the relationship ... but most people believe Brown is done in Oakland.
Originally Published -- 8:48 AM PT