Bruce Arians Responds to Antonio Brown Accusation by Former Chef

On Thursday, a report surfaced from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times about Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown allegedly obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination card. The accusation came from Steven Ruiz, Brown’s former live-in chef. Ruiz claimed that Brown had shown him a couple of fake vaccination cards he purchased for himself and his girlfriend, Cydney Moreau. The report quickly gained steam in the national media, so much so that the Buccaneers were quick to respond and shut down the accusation.

Image Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Twitter

When asked by Jenna Laine of ESPN if he had any reason to believe Antonio Brown produced a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, Arians responded, “None whatsoever. We did our due diligence, the league will do theirs, and it has nothing to do with the Giants game.” Arians also spoke with Rich Eisen of the Rich Eisen Show and said, “there is no story.”

Before the start of the season, Arians stated that 100% of the team was fully vaccinated. Brown himself said he is fully vaccinated. Brown’s lawyer, Sean Burstyn, told Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, “Be like Antonio Brown and get the vaccine.” Until the NFL reviews the situation, there is no reason to believe that Brown isn’t fully vaccinated.

The Buccaneers, who are on the quest for two straight Super Bowls, have no time for distractions. Tampa Bay is lucky to have a head coach in Bruce Arians that doesn’t mince his words, to keep the focus on Monday night against the Giants.