Report: Antonio Brown tells Raiders he won’t play again if NFL won’t allow him to wear his old helmet

Antonio Brown is threatening to never play football again, apparently telling the Raiders Friday he’s done unless the NFL loosens its rule and allows him to wear his old helmet, ESPN reported.

Brown spent two hours on a call with league officials trying to convince them to let him wear a 10-year-old helmet that the NFL has since banned because it doesn’t meet the league’s new safety standards, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

When the Raiders were reached for comment, they told this news organization, “The Raiders are aware of and are supportive of Antonio, but have no other comment.”

The mercurial wide receiver has been absent from training camp in Napa with blistered feet suffered in a cryogenic machine mishap, but he’s now so chapped about having to wear a new helmet that he filed a grievance against the NFL.

A decision on Brown’s grievance may come as early as next week, ESPN reported.

In the meantime, NFL Network’s Mike Silver says Brown has tried to sneak his old helmet, repainted to nearly match the Raiders’ helmet design, onto the practice field. But his effort was squashed in Napa — the Raiders are motivated to keep him from using that helmet under threat of NFL discipline if any player uses an unapproved helmet.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has complained the new league-approved helmets make it more difficult for him to see the ball. Brown isn’t alone in his disappointment about some old-style helmets being legislated out of the league. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also wants to keep wearing his old helmet — but, then again, he hasn’t threatened to walk away from the game over it.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is among 30 other players who must change their helmets to abide by the NFL’s guidelines.

One Raiders coach told Silver he can’t believe all the fuss over the helmet.

“Honestly the most insane thing I have ever heard,” the coach said. “I dont know why it’s so important to him. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Obviously, Brown’s comfort level with his helmet is vital to him. But, the helmet he’s worn throughout his career is apparently now discontinued after the National Operating Committee for Standards and Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) refused to certify it or any helmet older than 10 years old.