Get ready, Adam “Pacman” Jones, because you owe Antonio Brown an apology.
The #Steelers ruled WR Antonio Brown out this week with a concussion. Apparently, he was not faking.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2016
Following Vontaze Burfict’s KO of Antonio Brown last weekend, Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was also penalized 15-yards for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play, told Inside The NFL that Brown faked the concussion and that he’d only apologize if the game’s top receiver missed the Steelers matchup against the Broncos on Sunday.
He also added this little nugget, claiming Brown winked at him as he was helped off the field:
Well, Pacman, we’re waiting …
Ben Roethlisberger’s health and availability for Sunday’s game are still up in the air, but this is a damaging blow to the Steelers. Brown is arguably the greatest receiver in the NFL, and he makes their offense go. Alone, he pulled down 16 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns the last time Pittsburgh faced off against Denver; that may seem like a career day, but that’s become the norm for No. 84.
Following the news, Twitter was expectedly quick to react.
I told Antonio Brown wasn't playing this week. Jeez.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 15, 2016
Humongous break for the Broncos. Dude had 16 snags last go-around. https://t.co/f6QUwyiF89
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 15, 2016
Adam Jones said he would apologize to Antonio Brown if he didn't play. Stay tuned.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 15, 2016
Pacman apology time https://t.co/pfabyX6GxD
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 15, 2016
Well, there goes Antonio Brown's Grammy.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 15, 2016
This is a game changer. https://t.co/edLT2OJlq0
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) January 15, 2016
The stage is now yours, Pacman. Apology to follow https://t.co/Te9mhNmUrB
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 15, 2016
Adam "Pacman" Jones apology in 3…2…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2016
Kanye needs to take @AntonioBrown84 Grammy away and give to Beyoncé, STAT.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 15, 2016
Can't wait to see Gary Kubiak hand Vontaze Burfict the game ball after the @Broncos victory.
— BigHeadBS💨 (@BigHeadBS) January 15, 2016
This is undoubtedly great news for the Denver Broncos, but Brown is still just one player; the game hasn’t been played yet, and nobody has earned a victory.
It’ll be interesting, though, to see how both teams respond.