Always somebody looking to be offended on somebody else’s behalf.
Antonio Brown was an outspoken and controversial figure during his time in the NFL. The star wide receiver was infamous for his unceremonious exit in the middle of a game while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
3 years ago today, former Bucs WR Antonio Brown left in the middle of the Bucs vs Jets game, crazy times !!! 🤯 (vid from Highlight Heaven on YouTube) pic.twitter.com/3zQmvi6DL4
— CHAMPA BAY (@bucsnationx210) January 2, 2025
Brown was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, and spent nine seasons with the team before being traded to the then-Oakland Raiders. He then signed with the New England Patriots, but only appeared in one game before being cut.
Ahead of the 2020 season, Brown reunited with his Patriots teammate Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, where he helped lead the team to a win in Super Bowl LV, and returned in 2021 before quitting in the middle of a game by stripping off his jersey and pads and running off the field.
That was the last time Brown appeared in an NFL game, but he definitely hasn’t been quiet since his retirement.
Brown is the founder of “CTESPN,” his own “news network” where he breaks sports news and…well, does whatever he wants.
One thing that he’s become known for is his “awards” that he hands out on social media, including “Cracker of the Day,” an honor which has gone to everyone from Zach Bryan to Donald Trump.
But his awards aren’t just limited to “crackers.” AB loves all races, so he has awards for everyone – including Asians.
Yesterday during the Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame cornerback Charles Du, a walk-on from Beijing, sported his name in Chinese on the back of the jersey. And to recognize Du, Brown presented him with one of his prestigious awards – even offering him an NIL deal:
Chink of the Day #CTESPN
A Legend… got an NIL deal for this kid
Tag his X for me pic.twitter.com/hzEPrCjEVS
— AB (@AB84) January 2, 2025
It was all in good fun, but of course somebody was going to be offended. And sure enough, the New York Post came out with a headline today claiming that Brown “spoiled” Du’s special moment with his use of a “racial slur.”
Antonio Brown spoils Notre Dame player’s special moment with racial slur https://t.co/ZNEUCxjID3 pic.twitter.com/Zjay6iAMUz
— New York Post (@nypost) January 3, 2025
I’m sure they were well-intentioned, but it seems that their headline wasn’t entirely accurate – because Du said his day wasn’t spoiled at all, and he didn’t take any offense at Brown’s statement.
In fact, Du responded to the NY Post letting them know that they got it wrong, calling the award “a sign of love and respect” while announcing that he had, in fact, signed an NIL deal with AB and CTESPN.
Excited to announce I’ve signed an NIL deal with CTESPN & @ab84 @nypost has it wrong… spoiled?? No way
AB‘s daily award is a sign of love and respect
CTESPN is the most trusted source in all of sports https://t.co/TPa3YCgIeK
— Charles Du (@Charlesdu_) January 3, 2025
It wasn’t just the New York Post who attacked AB for his use of the “racial slur” directed at Charles Du. The Daily Mail also ran a headline claiming that the “controversial ex-NFL star” used a “vile racial slur” to describe the Notre Dame cornerback.
Controversial ex-NFL star Antonio Brown uses vile racial slur to describe Notre Dame player Charles Du https://t.co/dI60yiALtu pic.twitter.com/p14V8rXd0M
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 3, 2025
But Brown brushed off the criticism, claiming that “some people get it” and “some people don’t.”
“Fact is… I’m proud of Charles Du & everything he stands for
He’s an amazing young man… happy to be a part of his journey
Rooting for his Success!”
Some people get it…. Some people don’t.
Fact is… I’m proud of @Charlesdu_ & everything he stands for
He’s an amazing young man… happy to be a part of his journey
Rooting for his Success!
— AB (@AB84) January 3, 2025
Seems like the only people who spoiled Du’s moment are the white people who were offended on his behalf and made a big deal over something that Du saw as a positive.
