A.J. Brown released a statement on Friday about unspecified concerns he has related to fan reaction to his trade from the Titans.
The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver was scheduled to hold a football camp at Nashville’s Montgomery Bell Academy on June 18 for boys and girls in first through eighth grade, though his appearance was cancelled last month.
Brown tweeted on Friday that he pulled out because Tennessee Titans fans have steadily disrespected him on social media following his trade to Philly, and he doesn’t want it to continue in person or to be put in a position where his “peace could be threatened”:
“I’m so sorry I let down your kids and many others but I will not put myself in a place where my peace is going to be threatened by adults who feel a way because I was traded,” Brown wrote. “I’m every bad word it is for taking care of MY FAMILY! if you’re not aware just look on social media. I’m a man first and I will always do what I feel is right for me and my family.
People are upset and that’s fine but it’s not that serious when it comes to me. People can disrespect me on social media and that’s fine but being disrespectful to my face is whole another things and I’m not tolerating it on any level. So forgive me for not putting myself in a place where my peace could be threatened because if something happens and I rect, I’m the one who has everything to lose and not willing to risk my peace, my family, or my job.
“I would love to make everyone children’s day but not if I’m putting my own at risk. Please don’t say nothing is going to happen because nobody knows that. I’m sure someone will still have a problem with this and that’s fine as well. If you can’t understand that then it’s because you don’t want to. Take care! Love.”
The camp’s website said that “Brown and our coaches will offer tips and hands-on instruction, including lectures, fundamental football skills stations, contests, and non-contact games in a high-energy, fun, and positive environment with cleanliness and sanitation measures in place,” (h/t Mike Moraitis of Titans Wire).
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The website has since been taken down.
