Report: Antonio Brown's absence more about new helmets than foot issues

NFL sources have told ESPN that Antonio Brown’s recent absence from Oakland Raiders training camp is more about the receiver’s issues with the league issuing new helmets than it is his recovery from blisters on his feet.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that Brown has told his team that he refuses to play football if he is not allowed to wear his old helmet.

So glad this isn’t a Steelers’ WR Antonio Brown story...... https://t.co/XKSV8uDTfC

— Gregg Summers (@grgsummers) August 9, 2019

According to the report, Brown had a two-hour conference call with league officials on Friday arguing that he should be allowed to wear the same helmet he’s been wearing the past 10 years.

Schefter reported that Brown demands to wear the helmet he prefers, not the one mandated by NFL rules. Apparently, Brown contests that the league’s new helmets will hinder his vision — especially while attempting to catch the football.

Antonio Brown believes the new helmet that the rules mandate he wears protrudes out and interferes with his vision as he tries to catch football. The Raiders have been sending Brown other approved helmets to try out but, at this time, he is not interested in wearing any of them.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2019

The NFL’s decision could come as early as next week, according to ESPN.

The Raiders have been sending Brown other approved helmets to try, but he’s yet to find one to his liking.

Brown reportedly is comfortable with the same headgear he’s had throughout his entire career while playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers — the Schutt Air Advantage helmet — but that helmet is no longer meets the standards of the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment.

The NFL has a policy that disallows players to wear helmets not certified by NOCSAE.

Any player who tries to wear helmets that have been banned will be subject to discipline, ESPN reported.