Patriots: Antonio Brown’s suspension means we can stop linking him to NE

Free agent WR Antonio Brown was suspended eight games by the NFL.

Embattled free agent Antonio Brown is reportedly keen on a return to the NFL, and, as we know, his latest social media activity has sparked rumors that a reunion with the Patriots was something he desired.

On numerous instances, the seven-time Pro Bowler posted cryptic photos of him in a New England uniform, one of which mysteriously prompted a response from projected starting quarterback Cam Newton, who signed with the franchise last month.

Conveniently enough, it appears that fans in Foxborough can finally (and firmly) quell any concerns about the franchise running it back with Brown. On Friday, it was revealed that the 32-year-old wide receiver was dealt an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Brown has been the subject of a league investigation for several months following sexual assault and rape allegations by his former trainer, Britney Taylor. There was also a separate NFL inquiry into the former sixth-round pick for sexual misconduct charges made by an artist who was working at his home back in 2017.

Furthermore, he pleaded no contest to a felony burglary that included a battery charge, as well as two lesser misdemeanor charges related to an incident with a moving truck company. Both of those incidents transpired within the last several months.

What also deserves a mention are Brown’s numerous retirements and how he forced his way out of both Pittsburgh and Oakland (now Las Vegas). We’re not even sure if we covered all of his incidents, but those listed fully encapsulate his personal issues and dramatic fall from grace as a revered NFL superstar.

What matters here is that this news pretty much wraps up any chance that Brown had at catching passes from Newton this season (if there was any), and Patriots fans should be celebrating. As great and dynamic as he is on the gridiron, the Central Michigan product’s off-the-field demons are simply too prevalent to even consider signing him again.

Brown’s suspension should be the final nail in the coffin on every ounce of speculation that linked him with New England. There’s no telling how legitimate those rumors were, but it’s a relief to know that they can finally be erased for good.