Report: Antonio Brown files grievance seeking $40 million from Raiders, Patriots

Antonio Brown won’t be suiting up for any team any time soon but the former Raiders receiver has made a big play to recoup some money he feels he’s owed.

The NFL Network reported Sunday that Brown, through his representatives, quietly filed a pair of grievances against both the Raiders and Patriots on Friday. Brown, who was released by both teams for off-field issues, is asking an arbitrator for nearly $40 million, most of it guaranteed money both Oakland and New England voided because they determined his actions invalidated their contracts.

Brown’s grievance was filed on behalf of the NFL Players Association but the case isn’t expected to be heard until the spring, sources told Ian Rapoport.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Brown posted a tweet on Instagram on Friday that read: “I used to wanna protect my name in situations, now I just wanna protect my peace. I let whoever think WHATEVER.”

The demands from the Raiders, according to the report, includes $29 million in guarantees in Brown’s two-year contract with Oakland. Brown’s reps are also looking to have $215,000 in fines levied by the Raiders nullified — the fines were for unexcused absences from practice as well as a heated confrontation with general manager Mike Mayock.

In addition, Brown’s team wants Oakland to pay him a week’s salary — $860,294 — during the time he requested and was subsequently released.

From the Patriots, the grievance includes requests for the unpaid $9 million signing bonus as well as the more than $1 million in guaranteed base salary. The Patriots also withheld hi Week 1 salary of more than $64,000 after releasing Brown when a second sexual assault accusation came to light.

The NFL is in the midst of an investigation of claims against Brown, whose former personal trainer accused him of rape and sexual assault.