The New England Patriots have released former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown after just 11 days with the franchise.
“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,” the team said in a statement.
Brown responded to his release with a pair of tweets.
Thanks for the opportunity appreciate @Patriots pic.twitter.com/envfHEd6N8
— AB (@AB84) September 20, 2019
The marathon continues
— AB (@AB84) September 20, 2019
Brown lasted just one game with New England. He caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ Week 2 win over Miami.
But his tenure with Patriots was much more notable off the field.
Brown was accused of sexual assault and rape by former trainer Britney Taylor in a federal lawsuit and is currently under investigation by the NFL.
He was also accused by another woman that made paintings for him of sexual assault and reportedly sent threatening text messages to that woman this week.
He was also dropped by sponsors Xenith and Nike after Taylor’s rape allegations were made public.
Brown and the Patriots will likely have to go to arbitration to determine the fate of his $5 million in signing and roster bonuses.
For the second time in two weeks, Brown is now a free agent and can sign with any other team. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus said in a tweet that Brown still wants to play in the NFL.
“It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out with the Patriots,” Rosenhaus said. “But Antonio is healthy and is looking forward to his next opportunity in the NFL. He wants to play the game he loves and he hopes to play for another team soon.”