Several New England Patriots players privately voiced their displeasure with the team's decision to release receiver Antonio Brown, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Some players in the locker room felt Brown had made a positive impression on teammates in his 11 days with the Patriots, Rapoport reports, believing he did things in practice that others couldn't.
However, the decision to cut ties with the volatile wideout came from team owner Robert Kraft after intimidating text messages from Brown to a woman who accused him of sexual misconduct came to light, sources told Rapoport. The Patriots also were under the impression that the end of the off-field drama wasn't near.
New England signed Brown for $10 million guaranteed, $9 million of which came in the form of a signing bonus. However, the team is expected to withhold $5 million of his bonus, which was due Monday, and force Brown to file a grievance to see the money, Rapoport adds.
