Antonio Brown trade: Steelers ‘disappointed’ talks haven't taken place since season ended

Steelers president Art Rooney II confirmed they are disappointed with the situation surrounding the All-Pro receiver and confirmed they have yet to speak to the player since their Week 17 game.

Before the Steelers final game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Brown reportedly stormed out of a practice session following an argument with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Brown was then made inactive for their finale game.

They beat the Bengals 16-13, but the Steelers were still unable to make it into the post-season after the Baltimore Ravens won their game to clinch a wild card berth.

“I would have liked to have the opportunity to talk to him and understand where he is. Maybe that happens at some point,” Rooney said.

“I’m very disappointed in where we are and what happened and don’t have a lot of good explanations for it as we sit here today.”

The Steelers have not officially started trade discussions involving Brown, and Rooney was asked if Brown could return is he shows remorse over his actions.

“There aren’t many signs out there that that’s going to happen,” Rooney said.

“I’m not gonna sit here and disparage Antonio.

“You have to remember he’s been one of the most productive receivers in the league for a long time now.

“He’s helped us win a lot of games over the last few years.

“Was it always done the way you’d like to see it done? No. But I don’t think he was a major distraction to the team up until the last weekend of the season.

“The proof is in the pudding for the most part.”

Brown has been heavily linked with a move to the Bay Area, with San Francisco 49ers or Oakland Raiders a likely destination.

And Hall of Famer and 49ers legend Jerry Rice insists the wide receiver wants to play for 49ers “really bad”.

Despite the lack of contact with the Steelers, Brown has been vocal on social media.

The 30-year-old responded to a comment made by new Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who was previously an offensive coordinator at the Steelers, said: “This isn’t the Antonio that was drafted in 2010.”

Brown on Twitter responded: “He didn’t draft me he drafted @ESanders_10 same guy who missed rehab to go on networks to talk about me on situation he have zero clue! Arians now wears kangoo hats n glasses but ima diva! Done seen it all then they say we friends stop lien.”

After the Arians comments, Brown then sent posted another message on Twitter, saying the Steelers “feel indifferent about me” and that he is keeping track of comments from the team, teammates and fans to “show me how they really feel!”

Brown finished the regular season with 1,297 yards off 104 receptions and averaged 12.5 yards per catch, scored 15 touchdowns – his longest being 78 yards.

He also has three years left on his contract and is owed $22million for next year.

source: express.co.uk