He recently told TMZ that he is refusing to undergo ankle surgery unless an NFL team signs him.
The reason he is refusing to undergo surgery is mostly financial. Because if he gets his procedure while he is not employed, he would have to pay by himself. If he gets signed prior to that, the team would pay for his surgery. Let me remind you that Antonio has made over $80 million in career earnings so far. This does not include the sponsors and the commercial he made at the start of his career...
Here is another quote he mentioned during his TMZ interview:
The sad thing is he actually believes what he is saying. I don't think I should even have to say it but the Bears should not consider signing Brown. As a GM, regardless of my team's needs at WR, I would not touch him with a 10-foot pole. It's sad to see how such a talented player turned out...