Tomlin: Brown absent from Monday practice, won't discuss tweet publicly

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown missed practice Monday, one day after he commented “trade me” on a Twitter post that criticized him.

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Brown’s absence during his news conference Tuesday.

Tomlin said he looked forward to talking to Brown Tuesday and would not discuss specifics about whether Brown’s absence Monday was excused or not.

Tomlin would not say if AB’s absence was excused or not and he ‘looks forward to talking to him’ #Steelers
— The Final Word (@WPXIFinalWord) September 18, 2018

After Sunday's loss, Brown responded to a tweet by a former Steelers public relations staffer who said he was successful thanks to Ben Roethlisberger. Brown tweeted, "Trade me let's find out."

The tweet gained national media attention, especially following Brown's argument with offensive coaches Sunday. He also left the locker room after the game without speaking to the media.

When asked about Brown’s tweet, Tomlin said he did not think it was appropriate to address it publicly. He said he had a lot of football things to talk about.

“It’s important that we understand our position and the light it shines on us,” Tomlin said about social media.

Tomlin was asked if Brown wanted to be traded. “No,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin says Brown has not asked to be traded #WPXI #Steelers
— Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) September 18, 2018

Brown's agent told Adam Schefter that his client does not want to be traded and was not at the Steelers practice facility Monday due to a personal matter.

Antonio Brown’s (@AB84) agent Drew Rosenhaus told Adam Schefter that Brown does NOT want to be traded by the #Steelers and was not with the team Monday because he was dealing with a personal matter. pic.twitter.com/t5axM8d6MK
— Chase Williams WPXI (@chasepwilliams) September 18, 2018