Patriots’ Brown practices, status for Sunday’s game unclear
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots receiver Antonio Brown practiced with the team for the first time on Wednesday, a day after his former trainer filed a civil lawsuit in Florida accusing him of sexually assaulting her on three occasions.
Before the practice session, Belichick declined to answer numerous questions about Brown, including his status for Sunday’s game at Miami. He deferred to the Patriots’ statement late Tuesday in which they said they were aware of the lawsuit and “take these allegations very seriously.”
“Antonio and his representatives have made statements, so I’m not going to
be expanding on any of those,” Belichick said. “They are what they are. We’ve looked into the situation. We’re taking it very seriously all the way through the organization. I’m sure there are questions, but I’m not going to enter into a discussion about that.”
Brown has denied the allegations. Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, told The Associated Press his client plans to countersue. The NFL has declined to comment but will be opening an investigation into the matter.
Britney Taylor says Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida.
“He will pursue all legal remedies to not only clear his name, but to also protect other professional athletes against false accusations,”
Heitner said in a statement.
Heitner said Brown and Taylor had “a consensual personal relationship.”
In the portion of practice open to media, Brown wore a No. 1 jersey and a visor with his helmet while going through warmup drills with teammates. Brown has worn No. 84 throughout his previous nine NFL seasons, but that number is currently being worn by Patriots tight end Ben Watson.
Belichick was asked specifically about the possibility of Brown being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list by Roger Goodell. That special designation, which is used at the discretion of Goodell to allow the league to conduct investigations into possible violations of the league’s personal conduct policy, would prevent Brown from practicing or attending games while on the list.
Brown would, however, be eligible to continue being paid on the oneyear deal he signed Monday with the Patriots that could pay him $15 million this season.
“We’re preparing for one day at a time,” Belichick said.
Brown was originally traded from Pittsburgh to Oakland in the offseason. But a bizarre foot injury, fights with the NFL over his helmet, skipping practices, multiple fines, a runin with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and his social media posts ultimately led to the decision to release him.
The 31yearold Brown, a Miami native, was released by Oakland last week after clashing with the team throughout training camp. He agreed to a contract with New England on Saturday but has yet to play for the Patriots.
Brown and Taylor met through a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group at Central Michigan University, according to the lawsuit.
Taylor said Brown reached out to her via Facebook in June 2017 and asked the former gymnast for help with improving his strength and flexibility.