Gruden praises Brown for 'standing up for what he believes in'

While last week's episode of "Hard Knocks" focused on Antonio Brown's foot injury, Tuesday's installment addressed the Oakland Raiders wide receiver's helmet issue and grievance with the NFL.

The Raiders have rarely spoken publicly on the matter, but head coach Jon Gruden commented on Brown's prolonged absence over the last few of weeks.

"We've known the whole time," Gruden said, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "He had frostbite. He took four or five days to get checked out, and we knew about the (helmet) grievance since the first day of OTAs, which we did. I don't know what the story - what the f--- the story is around here.

"He's tried everything, really. I give the guy credit for standing up for what he believes in. Everybody else does it in this country."

After being called out by general manager Mike Mayock late last week, the star wideout practiced in a certified helmet Tuesday, leaving Gruden to declare Brown is "all-in."

"Hard Knocks" provided an inside look at a team workout, during which Brown and the head coach bonded over Oakland's support during his ongoing battle.

"Thanks for supporting me, coach." Jon Gruden building his bond with @AB84 '#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/sXDKc3lLn6

- NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2019

Brown reportedly filed a second grievance against the league Monday in an effort to wear his preferred Schutt AiR Advantage helmet, which is banned by the NFL due to safety standards.

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