As an NFL investigation hangs over his head, free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown has turned to social media to express regret for negatively affecting others.
Brown directly addressed NFL teams pleading for “another chance,” writing on Instagram Friday: ”To the organizations that I offended, I offer my sincere apology to you and my hope is that you forgive me and help me move on from this minor setback. I look forward to competing and helping a team reach their goals.”
The 31-year-old showed a humble demeanor and apologetic tone in his latest Instagram post, in which he took “full responsibility” and said he’s “working every day to repair what I broke.”
“First and foremost, I’d like to apologize to my family, friends and anyone who I offended,” Brown wrote on Friday. ”I never once meant to make anyone feel like I wasn’t thankful and appreciative of the opportunity that I was afforded to play the game I love. I’ve worked hard over the years to earn a chance to compete in the greatest game on earth. Over the years I was met with challenges and I can honestly say I didn’t handle those challenges in the manner that I should have.
“Over the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to think about everything that’s transpired and I am deeply sorry to all who I’ve offended.”
While Brown was apologetic, he maintained that his innocence in an NFL case investigating several sexual misconduct allegations.
“While my behavior was inexcusable, sometimes when people are coming at you with false information and allegations, we handle ourselves in ways that we sometimes regret,” he wrote. “I do take full responsibility for my actions and I’m working every day to repair what I broke. I do know that if I’m ever given the opportunity to play the game that I love, I’m going to work extremely hard to show the world how much I appreciate another chance.”
As recently as a month ago, Brown said he’ll “never play” in the NFL again.
Brown played one game with the New England Patriots this season before he was removed from the team while the NFL investigated his behavior. Brown posted a photo with quarterback Tom Brady on Thursday, with the caption, “Miss you big bro.”
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