New England Patriots release Antonio Brown after rape allegations
Less than two weeks after All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown signed a 1 year/$15 million deal with the New England Patriots, the team on Friday decided to cut the embattled football star following an accusation of rape by his former personal trainer.
In a statement, a Patriots spokesperson said: “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.”
Brown responded to his release on Twitter saying: "Thank you for the opportunity @Patriots #GoWinIt."
In a Florida civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Brown's former trainer, Britney Taylor, said he raped her at his Miami home in May 2018.
She also alleges in the lawsuit that Brown forcibly kissed and sexually assaulted her at his Pittsburgh-area home in June 2017.
Brown has denied the allegations.
His release from the Patriots comes after a tumultuous offseason, which included a fight with the NFL over his refusal to comply with new helmet standards.
Brown was ultimately released by the Oakland Raiders, and The Patriots signed him just as the season was getting underway.
