Antonio Brown claims workout was 'publicity stunt' for Saints

Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown worked out with the New Orleans Saints last Friday, as whispers surrounding his potential NFL return gathered steam.

But after the Saints announced last weekend that they didn't intend to sign him, Brown accused the team of working him out as a "publicity stunt" during an Instagram Live video Monday night.

"I really am at peace. I just don't like the lack of respect in the world," Brown said in the video, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "Everyone has deadlines. But I guess the NFL don't have a deadline for me. So I appreciate (Saints coach) Sean Payton and them guys for supporting me to bring me out to work out. But I think it was a publicity stunt for them. Sean Payton knows the film that's being left behind.

"But it is what it is. ... I'm not gonna make excuses. I'm just gonna keep competing to be the difference, 'cause I know I'm the difference."

Monday's workout was Brown's first visit with a team since he was released by the New England Patriots in September.

The 31-year-old was one of six receivers to work out with the Saints, and team sources described the activities to Triplett as "due diligence" and a way to update their "ready list" in case a need arises at the receiver position.

New Orleans ended up signing former Baltimore Ravens wideout Tim White to its practice squad.

"Obviously there's a little bit more attention drawn to (Brown) because of his career," Saints head coach Sean Payton said after the workout. "But right now, it was more or less us having a chance to get to know these guys and seeing what kind of shape they're all in."

Brown's future remains unclear as the NFL continues investigating the player under its personal conduct policy for allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

Early on Monday, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders receiver took aim at former teammates Derek Carr and JuJu Smith-Schuster on Twitter.