New England Patriots

Morning sports update: Robert Kraft reportedly ‘insisted’ the Patriots release Antonio Brown

"If Kraft hadn’t insisted, Brown would probably still be here."

Robert Kraft chats with Jets CEO Christopher Johnson two days after releasing Antonio Brown.

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

The Red Sox lost to the Rangers on Thursday, 7-5. Boston manager Alex Cora took issue with Texas infielders letting a routine foul ball drop so that pitcher Mike Minor could get his 200th strikeout of the season (which he did).

Robert Kraft’s role in Antonio Brown being cut from the Patriots: The short and stormy tenure of wide receiver Antonio Brown in New England is still being analyzed a week after it ended with his release.

In a new report for NBC Sports Boston, Tom Curran offered some additional information on what drove Brown’s release after just 11 tumultuous days.

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“I reported last Friday evening that the decision to release Brown was unanimous, that the threatening texts were a ‘bridge too far,'” Curran wrote. “After more conversations this week, I’ve come to understand that unanimous decision wasn’t easily reached. Belichick accepted the decision and understood it. But he was by no means leading the charge to move on — and if Kraft hadn’t insisted, Brown would probably still be here.”

Kraft’s decision to force Brown’s release was reportedly based on a business calculation.

“If you’re Robert Kraft and own the team and sign the checks you’re going to have less patience for a player putting your business and — by extension — you in a negative spotlight,” Curran determined.

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As for how many times Kraft has interfered in Belichick’s personnel moves during his time with the Patriots?

“To my knowledge,” wrote Curran, “none.”

Curran’s story also details what Tom Brady thought of practicing with Brown, a “breathtaking” talent that was “beyond anything Brady ever worked with.”

Yet Brown is now gone, with his NFL future unknown. The latest news regarding the 31-year-old receiver was a series of Twitter fights he had with other NFL players on Thursday.

Trivia: Packers receiver Davante Adams recorded 180 yards receiving on Thursday night against the Eagles before exiting the game with turf toe. Who is the last Patriots receiver to tally 180 yards receiving in a game?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He went to Penn State, but didn’t play football until he attended Monmouth.

More from Boston.com:

The Celtics are back for media day and the start of training camp next week

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Tom Brady has enjoyed playing the Bills in his career:

Felix Hernandez likely made his final start in Seattle last night: As he exited the mound in an emotional scene, Hernandez was told by his manager, Scott Servais, “You’ll always be the king in this town.”

On this day: In 2015, the Patriots thrashed the Jaguars, 51-17. LeGarrette Blount rushed for three touchdowns, and Rob Gronkowski totaled 104 yards receiving on only four catches.

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Daily highlight: The Packers lost to the Eagles on Thursday night, but Aaron Rodgers made a phenomenal play here to find Jimmy Graham for a touchdown.

Trivia answer: Chris Hogan