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Antonio Brown 'model citizen' since joining Bucs, insists Arians
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in NFL. | 19 November 2020 | 282 Views
Tags: American Football, Antonio Brown, Data, Nfl, Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians insisted Antonio Brown has been a "model citizen" since joining the NFL franchise, playing down an alleged incident prior to the star wide receiver's arrival.

Brown signed with Tom Brady's Buccaneers last month and he has played against the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.

However, question marks over his behaviour have re-emerged following allegations Brown damaged a security camera and threw a bicycle at a security guard before moving to the Bucs.

Brown was previously sidelined by an eight-game suspension for "multiple violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy".

Asked about the reported incident, Arians told reporters on Thursday: "We were totally aware.

"He's been a model citizen. I think we're trying to beat a dead horse right now, so there's been enough statements about it."

Brown only made one appearance for the New England Patriots last season, having been previously released by the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 56 receiving yards and a touchdown as he briefly teamed up with Brady.

In two games for the Buccaneers (7-3), seven-time Pro Bowler Brown has 10 receptions for 100 yards

When pressed again on the alleged Brown incident, Arians added: "I think we've had enough conversations about that, thank you."

Meanwhile, Buccaneers star Rob Gronkowski described the remaining games of the NFL season as the time for Tampa Bay to either "take off or tank".

The Buccaneers head into the final six games sitting second in the NFC South behind the New Orleans Saints (7-2), with the Los Angeles Rams next up on Monday.

Tampa Bay have not qualified for the NFL playoffs since losing their Wild Card showdown against the New York Giants in 2007.

"These games are huge, especially when it comes to the time around Thanksgiving," Gronkowski said. "These games a crucial, they are must-win games.

"They're basically play-off games and this when teams either take off or this is when teams tank. We want to be a team that takes off. This is when you've got to come together and play your best football, this time of the year.

"If you wanna get to the play-offs, you wanna have a winning record, it's all about getting wins now. This month and after Thanksgiving."

Gronkowski – a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler – has 29 receptions, 374 yards and four touchdowns for Tampa Bay this season, having stepped out of retirement in 2020.