Raiders receiver Antonio Brown wore a certified helmet during Tuesday’s practice, but that doesn’t mean he’s giving up the fight to wear his preferred model.
He filed a second grievance to wear the Schutt AiR Advantage on Monday, and an independent arbitrator will reportedly hear the case quickly.
The hearing likely will be Friday, according to NFL Network. A formal decision typically comes shortly after that.
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Brown lost his original grievance to wear the Schutt AiR Advantage on Aug. 12, but was optimistic he found a loophole that would allow him to wear a version of it made less than 10 years ago. The NFL and NFLPA made him submit one for testing last week and the helmet failed the test. That essentially banned the helmet regardless of when it was made, and prompted Brown to skip Sunday’s practice.
The Schutt AiR Advantage was originally unavailable for use because of its age. It was discontinued, meaning it wasn’t eligible for certification entering the 2019 season.
Players who wore helmets that ended up on the prohibited list were given a one-year grace period to wear the old model and find a new one. Brown’s camp is claiming he didn’t get that grace period, and should get one for 2019.
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Brown’s an unpredictable sort, so it’s impossible to say how he’ll react to an unfavorable result. His newfound willingness to practice, at least, with a different helmet is a sign he may be ready to move on following a win or loss at this latest grievance hearing.