Antonio Brown released by Patriots after 2nd sexual misconduct accusation - Global News

Antonio Brown was released by the New England Patriots on Friday after a second woman accused him of sexual misconduct — the third team in seven months to tire of the off-field behavior that has overshadowed his accomplishments as one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers for a decade.READ MORE: Rick Zamperin: Time for Antonio Brown to be a team player
Story continues belowThe defending Super Bowl champions announced the move in a statement emailed to reporters, three minutes after Brown posted on Twitter: “Thank you for the opportunity @Patriots #GoWinIt.”Already facing a civil suit claiming that he raped a former trainer, Brown was accused in a Sports Illustrated story published on Monday of exposing himself to an artist he hired to paint a mural at his home. He has denied both allegations.But the Patriots cut ties with the four-time All-Pro after just one game.READ MORE: Rick Zamperin: ‘I don’t even have to play football,’ says Antonio BrownThe statement attributed to “a Patriots spokesperson” said, in its entirety: “The New England Patriots are releasing Antonio Brown. We appreciate the hard work of many people over the past 11 days, but we feel that it is best to move in a different direction at this time.”Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady both declined to comment on Brown during their scheduled media availability Friday, a few hours before Brown was released. Belichick said during the morning that the team was looking into “some things,” then cut off his news conference when reporters continued to ask about Brown.Asked if he expected Brown to play in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, Belichick said, “He’s on the roster.”About five hours later, he wasn’t.READ MORE: Antonio Brown returns to Raiders after absence for frostbitten feet“It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out with the Patriots,” Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus tweeted. “But Antonio is healthy and is looking forward to his next opportunity in the NFL. He wants to play the game he loves and he hopes to play for another team soon.”Brown has been sued by former trainer Britney Taylor, who claimed Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions, including rape. Although the allegations became public last week, Brown practiced with the Patriots, then played on Sunday in a 43-0 rout of Miami, scoring a touchdown.Taylor had a lengthy meeting with the NFL this week.WATCH: Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski getting into the CBD business

from Sports - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2Qk9SZ3
via IFTTT
September 21, 2019 at 07:33AM