FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - The NFL reportedly has no plans to place New England Patriots star Antonio Brown on the commissioner’s exempt list because of the lack of a criminal probe into this rape and sexual assault allegations that were made this week against the wide receiver.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Brown is eligible to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 31-year-old pass-catcher has been practicing all week with the Patriots.
Schefter says the NFL has opened its own investigation, which “will include interviews with Brown and his accuser.”
At this point, NFL will not place Antonio Brown on commissioner exempt list, as there is no criminal investigation, making him eligible to play Sunday vs. Miami, per sources. NFL has opened its investigation, which will include interviews with Antonio Brown and his accuser.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2019
Brown’s former trainer, Britney Taylor, says Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions, according to a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida.
Brown has denied the allegations.
Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, told The Associated Press his client plans to countersue.
Brown broke his silence over an Instagram Live story at a TB12 facility Thursday night, speaking for the first time since being accused by Taylor.
Brown did not directly address the rape allegations, but he is back to work on social media — making sure everyone knows he is preparing to play come Sunday.
“No matter what they say, no matter what they hate, somebody’s still got to go to work,” Brown told his fans. “The devil going to try to bring you down when you get closer to your goals. The key is, don’t let them.”
Head coach Bill Belichick was tight-lipped when asked Friday morning if Brown will play on Sunday.
“Not gonna hand out a copy of the gameplan here,” Belichick said. “We’ll do what we think is best for the team.”
Belichick also mentioned that Brown is “working hard” to pick up the offense.
Fellow receiver Josh Gordon praised Brown, calling him a “dedicated” player who ranks among “the best in the league.”
Julian Edelman called Brown “an absolute stud.”
Brown has claimed a locker located two stalls down from quarterback Tom Brady
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