MIAMI — An attorney representing Antonio Brown said a court-ordered mental health evaluation has determined the embattled wide receiver is “perfectly mentally fine.’’
Lorne Berkeley, one of two lawyers representing Brown in a criminal case in Broward County, has not seen the results of the test but said he has spoken to people familiar with the evaluation and findings.
“I’ve been provided conclusory terms in the sense of he’s perfectly mentally healthy and fine,’’ Berkeley told USA TODAY Sports on Saturday. “The results are very positive.”
When asked about the perception that Brown has exhibited erratic behavior over the past several months, Berkeley said, “Sure, people have made those allegations. At the end of the day, maybe they catch him when he’s happy or overly excited about something. Maybe they catch him when he’s sad or upset about something. So he’s gong to express himself differently.
“For anybody to say that something is erratic, irrational, they have no idea because they don’t have any understanding as to the context. That’s the bottom line in how I perceive it.”
Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowler, was ordered to submit to a mental health evaluation and random drug testing after being charged last week in the alleged battery of a moving-truck driver.
Berkeley said he thinks the findings from the mental health evaluation will improve Brown’s chances of returning to the NFL, and he also said the NFL Players Association told Berkeley two or three teams are “very interested’’ in Brown.
“The Players Association is being very supportive of Antonio, and they want to see him get back out on the field,’’ Berkeley said.
The NFLPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Berkeley said the next step is to resolve “pending legal issues.’’ Brown, 31, faces one count of burglary with battery, one count of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and one count of criminal mischief less than $1,000 in connection to the alleged attack of the moving-truck driver.
On Tuesday, a judge freed Brown from an ankle monitor and from house arrest.
“So we’re working on getting these issues resolved and we anticipate being able to do so,’’ Berkeley said. “Hopefully we’ll get Antonio back to where the teams are comfortable.’’
The Oakland Raiders released Brown before the season started after the wide receiver exhibited behavior widely characterized as erratic. Brown then signed with the New England Patriots but played just one game before being released due to allegations of sexual and personal misconduct.
Berkeley said Brown will follow the recommendations of the mental health professional who conducted the evaluation, and the attorney indicated those recommendations will be part of a formal report that has not yet been completed.
On Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he wants Brown to get any help he may need.
“In Antonio’s situation, I think the first thing for all of us is to think about the well-being of Antonio,” Goodell said. “… the NFL and the NFLPA have a tremendous amount of resources that are available to all players. They are going to be made available to Antonio.”
Added Berkeley, “So as long as you’re getting help, I think the NFL will be more than happy to entertain him coming back to the league.’’
