Antonio Brown's condolences for Darryl Drake met with criticism
A day late and a dollar short.
That appears to be the gripe many Pittsburgh Steelers faithful are “Boomin’ ” about after Antonio Brown — finally — publicly acknowledged the death of his former receivers coach, Darryl Drake, on Instagram on Wednesday night.
“Coach I love you sad times I know you would be proud of me ! Everything we talked about everything we prayed about ! God is greatest may your soul rest in heaven see you soon (blue heart emoji) RIP Coach Drake,” Brown posted.
Drake was found unresponsive Sunday morning in the dorms at Saint Vincent.
@AB84 Eventually sent out his condolences to his former WR coach Darryl Drake however he did it way late like always, just like how he was 5 hours late to see sick children at a hospital or how he showed up to his introductory press conference a half hour late #jackass
— John Cusack (@ChrisBarnhart52) August 15, 2019
And it’s not like the peanut gallery wasn’t waiting with their proverbial stopwatches to see how much time would elapse between the news and a statement from Brown, who was traded to the Oakland Raiders in the offseason after a tumultuous final season with the Steelers.
NFL players, College Coaches, and countless others that may have only encountered Darryl Drake a handful of times tweeted their heartfelt concerns for his family and the Steelers, but that’s way beneath @AB84.
— - (@antonioregoli) August 12, 2019
Kind of surprised Antonio Brown didn’t issue public condolences thru social media on the passing of Darryl Drake #SteelerNation #RaiderNation @AB84 #AntonioBrown @937theFan @PGSportsNow @Raiders @NFL_Journal @nflnetwork @TheAthleticNFL @NFLonFOX @NFLonCBS @EdBouchette #NFL
— pittsburghpirateguru (@harvardplayer) August 12, 2019
Where is @AB84’s appreciate post on coach Darryl Drake? Shows what kind of character the guy really has...
— Dean Machine (@matt_wilden) August 11, 2019
Drake was entering his second season with the Steelers. No cause of death has been released.
When Drake was asked what he knew about Brown in an April 2018 interview with Steelers.com, the coach didn’t hesitate.
“To me, he’s the best. His work ethic sets him apart. He’s naturally gifted. He has an innate ability to catch the football, to get open and do things. (He has) such a great feel for the game. His production speaks for itself. … He’s always at the top of the class,” Drake said.
New Wide Receivers Coach Darryl Drake discusses why he chose to come to Pittsburgh, @AB84 and the WR group, his career journey and more. pic.twitter.com/ouZYB6Wxhp
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 16, 2018
“It’s my job to continue to help him grow and to be the best that he wants to be. He wants to be great, and he’s well on his way.”
Under Drake, Brown led the NFL with 15 receiving touchdowns last season while compiling 1,297 yards on 104 receptions.
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