Antonio Brown Suspended Eight Games by the N.F.L.
The N.F.L. on Friday suspended wide receiver Antonio Brown for eight regular-season games for his role in a January dispute with a moving company employee, for which he pleaded no contest to burglary and battery charges and received two years probation. Brown was also penalized for sending threatening texts to a woman who accused him of sexual misconduct. The suspension was first reported by The Washington Post and was confirmed in a statement by the league.
Brown still faces an investigation into accusations that he sexually assaulted his former trainer in 2017 and 2018. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in South Florida, where Brown has a home, remains open and the receiver could still face additional penalties pending its outcome. He has denied the accusations of sexual assault.
Under the terms of the N.F.L.’s suspension, Brown will also have to participate in a counseling and treatment program. Any additional violations of the N.F.L.’s personal conduct policy “will likely result in more significant discipline.”
Brown will not appeal his suspension, according to his agent, Ed Wasielewski.
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection while with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown, 32, is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team. If he is signed before the start of the regular season, he could take part in his club’s preseason activities, would start his suspension on Sept. 5. and could return after the team’s eighth game. If he is unsigned, he would be eligible to play after the eighth week of the season.
