Antonio Brown’s Temper Tantrum Cost Him Huge Bonus Money

The National Football League has seen its share of strange behavior over the years. Every professional sport has its share of malcontents and unhappy players. Pro football is such an ingrained part of the culture that those players often believe they’re larger than the game.

Such distractions can be fatal to a team’s chemistry. The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced that when Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell both decided they were going to act like children when they determined they wanted out of the Steel City. Brown’s diva-like behavior has become famous among NFL fans.

During Sunday’s 28-24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers victory over the lowly New York Jets, AB topped even his strangest outburst. He removed his shirt and left the team behind. Head coach Bruce Arians said Brown was done with the team.

According to Sportrac, Brown’s childish fit will prove costly beyond even what he is owed under his contract. He will lose $1 million in incentive-based bonus payments based on his behavior. That is in addition to the likely end to his NFL career.

“Antonio Brown needed: 8 more catches to unlock a $333,333 bonus. He also needed 55 receiving yards to unlock another $333,333 bonus. He also needed just 1 receiving TD to unlock another $333,333 bonus. This was a costly outburst.”

Antonio Brown could have been on track for a Hall of Fame career. His selfish behavior instead will cost him millions and leave him standing in the unemployment line. The Bucs gave him a chance to re-establish his greatness alongside the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, Tom Brady. AB decided he would rather take his ball and go home.

What do you think caused Antonio Brown to walk away from his team? Let us know in the comments!