Giants release kicker Josh Brown, who admitted to abusing his wife
Brown's career could very well be over
The Giants released kicker Josh Brown on Tuesday. Brown previously admitted to having been "physically, emotionally and mentally" abusive to his now ex-wife.
The Giants released a statement explaining their decision. In that statement, team president John Mara accepted responsibility for what he called "misguided" beliefs, judgments and decisions.
"We believed we did the right at every juncture in our relationship with Josh," said team president John Mara. "Our beliefs, our judgments, and our decision were misguided. We accept that responsibility.
"We hope that Josh will continue to dedicate himself to rehabilitation, and to becoming a better person and father. We will continue to support him in his efforts to continue counseling, and we hope that Josh and his family can find peace and a positive resolution.
"We have great respect and feel strongly about our support for the good people who work tirelessly and unconditionally to aid the victims of domestic violence and who bring awareness to the issue. We have been partners with My Sisters' Place (a domestic violence shelter and advocate based in Westchester, New York) for nearly 20 years. The leadership of that organization has provided invaluable insight as we have considered our decisions in this matter. We value and respect their opinion, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."
Earlier Tuesday, Brown released his own statement in which he apologized to the Giants for tarnishing their reputation. He also said that he has "taken measures to get help."
Before releasing him, the Giants had placed Brown on the commissioner's exempt list and signed Robbie Gould as his replacement for Sunday's game against the Rams in England. Before the Giants took that step, Brown had served a one-game NFL suspension, but later returned to the team as its kicker. Repeatedly, the team and league refused to take action.
In January, newly hired Giants coach Ben McAdoo said that domestic violence is something he "won't tolerate as a head coach." By August, when asked about the team's investigation into the matter, he said, "I stay in my lane." And last weekend from London, McAdoo offered this: "We're not going to turn our back on Josh. He's a teammate. He's a guy that we're hoping makes strides."
Meanwhile, in August, Giants general manager Jerry Reese signed Brown to a two-year deal, after learning of the kicker's arrest. And at the time, team president and CEO John Mara maintained that the organization was "comfortable" retaining Brown.
That's what Mara is referring to when he admitted that the team made mistakes. Furthermore, it's worth pointing out that the Giants needed nearly a week to decide to release Brown after the documents in which he admitted to abusing his wife were released.
And here's what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell previously said when asked about the one-game suspension he imposed on Brown:
"Well, you have to go and get the facts," Goodell told the BBC's Richard Conway while in London. "We have asked repeatedly for those facts and the information that's been gathered by law enforcement both orally and in writing. And we weren't able to get access to it. So you have to make decisions on whatever information you have."
Now, it appears Brown's NFL career is over.
Giants releasing Josh Brown will effectively end his NFL career. No matter what further discipline he receives don't see anyone signing him
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 25, 2016
















