Antonio Brown is facing a civil lawsuit stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted a former friend with whom he used to train, but there has been no indication that the star wide receiver will be sidelined for his first game with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots have been preparing this week as if Brown will play against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media said Thursday that all signs point toward Brown playing and that he will be on the field “barring something unforeseen.”
From NFL Now: The #Patriots are practicing as if WR Antonio Brown is going to play on Sunday, and unless the NFL steps in, he just may. pic.twitter.com/Gpat05F8hA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2019
The NFL has already opened an investigation into the allegations, and there was a report this week that the league is strongly considering placing Brown on the commissioner’s exempt list. The more time that passes, the less likely that seems unless some new information comes out.
In addition to the NFL’s investigation, prosecutors in Pennsylvania are also planning to look into the claims made by Britney Taylor, who says Brown sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in 2017 and raped her in 2018. You can read more about the details of the allegations here.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday that the team is taking things one day at a time with Brown, but the fact that he is practicing would seemingly indicate they plan on him playing.
