How Long Will AB Be a Patriot
x“History repeats itself, opportunities do not”. This past Monday NFL’s 2019 Super Bowl Champions the New England Patriots, signed arguably the best wide receiver in the league Antonio Brown.
The following day Brown’s former trainer accused him of sexually assaulting her according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida.
Abruptly what was supposed to be a celebratory union quickly became a full-scale crisis. The New England Patriots Tuesday evening released a statement “We are aware of the civil lawsuit that was filed earlier today against Antonio Brown, as well as the response by Antonio’s representatives. We take these allegations very seriously. Under no circumstances does this organization condone sexual violence or assault. The league has informed us that they will be investigating. We will have no further comment while that investigation takes place”.
It is hard for me to imagine the New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick along with the front office have not asked Brown flat out if he committed any or all of these accusations. In addition to conducting their own investigation of Brown. Brown and his agent Drew Rosenhaus, have vehemently denied all allegations. Thus repeatedly saying these allegations are an attempt to receive financial compensation. Although all parties involved are in a wait and see mode, I do not agree with placing Brown on the NFL’s Commission Exempt List. In short, placing Brown on this list would allow Brown to receive his normal salary plus be able to participate in all non-football activities. For instance, team meetings, rehabilitation, individual workouts. However, Brown would not be able to attend games or practice with the team.
Brown’s accuser Britany Taylor has filed some extremely disturbing allegations, yet is postponing meetings to speak with NFL officials until after her wedding this weekend. Respectfully, if Taylor can wait until next week to present her side of two alleged sexual assaults incidents in 2017 and an alleged rape accusation in May 2018, then the NFL along with the Patriots should wait until her side is heard before making any decisions of stopping Brown to play. Reports suggest that representatives of Antonio Brown and Britany Taylor were in discussions over the past few months. However, both sides agree their communication would remain confidential until the filing of Taylor’s civil sexual assault lawsuit, sources told ESPN on Thursday. The only thing that is certain about Brown is his exceptional production on the football field. Brown has caught a minimal of 100 receptions,1200 yards, and averaged 12 touchdowns over the last six NFL seasons.
Patriots signed Brown to a one-year deal worth up to $15M, including a $9M signing bonus. Brown received a $1M fully guaranteed base salary for this season. He also received $500k in-game day roster bonuses and three $1.5M incentives. These according to the NFL Network are one for reaching 105 catches, another for reaching 1,298 yards receiving, and another for 16 touchdowns. The New England Patriot’s organization has the infrastructure to extinguish such an eccentric and polarizing personality as Brown. The Oakland Raiders released him following his outrageous shenanigans while there. Nonetheless, only time and what Taylor tells NFL officials. Next week will determine how long Brown remains a New England Patriot.
How long do you think Antonio Brown will be a New England Patriot? Leave a comment below.
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