Patriots’ Antonio Brown addresses media for first time since sexual assault allegations

Antonio Brown was brief when speaking with the media for the first time since his former trainer, Britney Taylor, filed a civil lawsuit alleging Brown sexually assaulted her on three separate occasions in 2017 and 2018.

The New England Patriots receiver, who broke NFL policies by skipping his weekly obligations with the media last week, dodged questions about the allegations. He was asked if he anticipated facing punishment from the NFL.

“I’m super grateful to be here, to play for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady,” Brown said in front of his locker at Gillette Stadium during his one-minute media appearance. “I’ve got a lot of the offense to learn and catch up, but I’m excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys.”

Brown would not comment when asked about his standing with the league.

“I appreciate that question,” Brown said. “I’m just here to focus on ball and look forward to getting out there in the home stadium, being with the team.”

Antonio Brown spoke to the media for the first time as a Patriot. Asked about his availability moving forward, he said: “I appreciate that question. I’m just here to focus on ball and looking forward to getting out there in the home stadium and being with the team.” pic.twitter.com/UlNgcmlr2U

— Nicole Yang (@nicolecyang) September 19, 2019

DROPPED: Nike cuts ties with Patriots’ Antonio Brown

FLORIDA POLICE: No investigation until accuser files formal complaint

INVESTIGATION: NFL double standard lets coaches accused of abuse avoid scrutiny

Because of the allegations, Brown could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, which would allow him to attend work at the Patriots’ facilities (for meetings and individual workouts, if permitted by the Patriots) but would prevent him from practicing with the team and playing in games.

The NFL also could suspend Brown, as it has launched an investigation that included a meeting with Taylor on Monday. However, the NFL has previously avoided punishments in the midst of civil cases, including the cases of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, who were separately accused of domestic violence in civil lawsuits.

In Brown’s case, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office in Pennsylvania released a statement on Wednesday regarding two of the three alleged incidents of sexual assault between Brown and Taylor.

“Our office, along with the Allegheny County Police Department, made contact with counsel for the plaintiff in the federal lawsuit involving Antonio Brown. Procedurally, it appears there is a statute of limitations issue in moving forward with any inquiry involving the Allegheny County allegation mentioned in the lawsuit.”

For two of the incidents, there will be no criminal inquiry. It’s unclear whether there will be an inquiry into the third.

USA TODAY Sports does not typically identify those claiming to be victims of sexual assault unless they decide to come forward publicly, as Taylor did.

Brown forced a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Oakland Raiders last offseason. During training camp, he stayed away from the team while dealing with a helmet grievance with the NFL and frostbitten feet, stemming from an accident in a cryogenic therapy chamber. Brown’s relationship with the Raiders deteriorated, and when Oakland released him on Sept. 7, the Patriots signed him later the same day. Taylor’s legal team filed the allegations three days after that.

After avoiding questions about the accusations, the one subject Brown was willing to address was his work on the field with Brady. Brown was spotted at practice on Thursday working closely with the Patriots quarterback, who was evidently tutoring Brown on how to run routes in New England’s offense.

“It’s been a tremendous honor,” Brown said. “He’s been here a long time. A lot of details. A lot of work ethic. Great guy to be around, just inspiring everyone here.”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.