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ALAMEDA, Calif. – Star receiver Antonio Brown returned to the Oakland Raiders on Friday after a one-day absence and is set to play the NFL season opener after apologizing following a run-in with Mike Mayock's general manager.
"I'm excited to be here today," said Brown in a brief statement after practice. "I want to apologize to my teammates, the organization.Enough talk now.I'm excited to be here with my teammates and grateful for all the fans and I'm excited to be part of the Raiders and see you guys soon . "
Brown addressed the team earlier in a meeting, a day after being confronted by a confrontation Wednesday at practice with Mayock. Wednesday, May 13, 2016. $ Close to $ 54,000 in fines for driving and driving. Brown was also fined for the dust-up with Mayock, a person familiar with the punishment said on condition of anonymity because it was not announced. ESPN first reported the fine.
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"Antonio met the team," quarterback Derek Carr said. "We were up there with a couple of captains.
I'm excited about my teammates, the organization I'm excited to be here with my teammates and grateful for all the fans and I'm excited to be for the Raiders and see you guys soon. "
ESPN had reported that the Raiders were planning to suspend Brown over the incident. Teams have the right under the collective bargaining agreement to suspend players up to four games for the conduct of the team. A suspension would also be worth more than $ 29 million in browns contract with the Raiders.
Coach Jon Gruden said the plan is for Brown to play Monday night at home against Denver.
"Antonio is back today," Gruden said. "We're really excited about that and ready to move on." "It's a lot of, obviously, time to think about things and we're excited about that."
Brown's return did not stop the drama. He posted a video on YouTube on Friday night with a conversation with Gruden. Gruden asks Brown whether he wants to be a Raider. Brown said he wants to be the Raiders want him. Just play football.
The video ends with Brown saying, "I'm more than just a football player, I'm a real person I do not know what I'm doing. This is my life Is not no more games. "
The Raiders have been counting heavily on Brown to spark an offense that lacked playmakers a year ago. Brown had 686 catches and 9,145 yards receiving the past six seasons in Pittsburgh, the best marks ever for a six-year span receiver.
Even though he missed an important time in training camp and practice on Thursday, the Raiders are still envisioning Brown having a major role in the opener against the Broncos.
"I planned on having him all along, we had an offensive team," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "So nothing's really changed."
What's the same for the Broncos, who were off? They've always figured Oakland's most dangerous offensive player would be on the field when the games start.
"It has not been affected, it has been all over the place," Denver coach Vic Fangio said. "Obviously that's the way it looks right now."
This was just the latest development in the field of Oakland for Brown.
The Raiders acquired Brown after he wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh. Oakland gave up a third- and fifth-round pick for the four-time dealership and gave him a $ 50.125 million contract.
But Brown was unable to practice at the start of camp training after getting on his feet during a cryotherapy accident in France.
Brown was activated July 28 and took part in a walkthrough and part of one practice before leaving the team to get treatment for the NFLPA and the NFLPA over his helmet.
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Brown lost two victories with the league in his attempt to use an old helmet. He skipped practice on Aug. 18, prompting Mayock to issue an ultimatum for Brown to be "all in or out" and also to a fine $ 40,000.
Brown returned to the team the following day but missed a mandatory walkthrough before an exhibition game in Winnipeg on Aug. 22, leading to a second fine of $ 13,950.
Brown publicized those fine on his Instagram account this week. Brown also wrote on the account: "WHEN YOUR OWN TEAM WANT TO HATE GOAL THERE'S NO STOPPING ME NOW DEVIL IS BOUND EVERYONE GOT TO PAY THIS YEAR SO WE CLEAR."
Brown had several issues in Pittsburgh, but topped with 100 receptions and 1,200 yards receiving in each of the past six seasons.
AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Englewood, Colo., Contributed to this report.
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