CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown has issued a statement via his attorney after Sunday’s crazy game against the New York Jets. Mid-game, Brown took off his Buccaneers jersey and jetting from the field shirtless.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted Brown’s statement, in which Brown says he was forced to play the game despite an injured ankle. Brown also added that at one point, he wasn’t able to perform to his full athletic ability. He says coach Bruce Arians then informed him that he was being let go from the team.

“I didn’t quit, I was cut. I didn’t walk away from my brothers. I was thrown out,” Brown said. “Being fired on the sideline for having a painful injury was bad enough.”

He added, “I love my teammates and everyone who showed me grace and believed in me. I gave the Bucs everything on the field. What the organization is doing now needs to be cleaned up.”

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.