Report: Brown would hold NFL liable for head injury in mandated helmet

In his grievance hearing Friday, Antonio Brown and his camp threatened to hold the NFL liable if he suffers a head injury in a league-mandated helmet, a source told The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan.

Additionally, Brown argued the NFL outlawed his model because it exceeded the 10-year age limit, even though it wasn't specifically tested against the league's safety standards.

The star receiver recently left Oakland Raiders training camp after refusing to switch helmets. He reportedly told the club that he is prepared to walk away from the game if he can't don his preferred model.

Brown is one of 32 players who were forced to find new helmets this offseason because their previous designs fell short of meeting the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment's criteria. Last year, the NFL provided a one-year grace period to players using outdated helmets. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers were among those who had to find new models.

Brown wore the Schutt Air Advantage helmet throughout his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL has taken an increased interest in helmet safety because of the concussion conundrum it has faced over the last several years.

An arbitrator is expected to rule on Brown's grievance this week.

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