Steelers WR Brown reportedly skipped work Monday

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was a no-show in Pittsburgh when the team gathered in the aftermath of a 42-37 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Brown wasn't entirely invisible Monday. He barked back at former Steelers PR man Ryan Scarpino via Twitter, when Scarpino wrote on Twitter: "AB needs to thank his lucky stars, because he was drafted by a team that had Ben. And Ben got AB paid. You know darn well he wouldn't put up those numbers for other teams."

Brown replied: "Trade me let's find out."

Scarpino knows Brown well, having working public relations for the team from 2010-17.

The Post-Gazette reported Tuesday, citing sources, that Brown did not show up for meetings on Monday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin held his usual press conference Tuesday and said he understands there is frustration in losing.

"I look forward to addressing that and other things with him," Tomlin said, adding he would not get into whether Brown's absence was excused or not. "Again, I'm going to visit with Antonio -- I just haven't done it. I may or may not provide details. I just want to stay focused on what's real and what's important."

Brown caught nine passes for 67 yards in Sunday's loss and was visibly upset during the game in which JuJu Smith-Schuster caught 13 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, and tight end Jesse James had five receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown.

Brown, 30, has not been above drama in recent years with the Steelers, who made him the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver with a deal paying him $17 million in 2018.