Antonio Brown’s Latest Business Venture Marred by Controversy

The ever so troublesome Antonio Brown is once again back in the headlines, this time relating to his recently purchased arena football team, the Albany Empire.

Ever since Brown assumed 95-percent ownership of the Empire franchise, the team has been marred with issues including the failure to pay players, suspensions and an ongoing misdemeanor case as reported by Abigail Rubel of the Albany Times Union.

Players of the Empire organization have not been paid since April 21. On Monday, Empire head coach Damon Ware left the team due to the payment issues.

Typically, Albany players are paid Friday following each week’s game, but no one received their direct deposits on April 28 prior to their most recent matchup.

The Empire’s acting president, Alberony Denis, stated that their was an issue with the payroll processor, which was put on hold after former owner Mike Kwarta and a majority of his staff left after the sale of his ownership to Brown.

Along with the current payment issues, the team suspended Darius Prince, quarterback Sam Castronova, lineman Brandon Sesay, defensive back Dwayne Hollis, linebacker Nick Haag and lineman Melvin Hollins for an incident that occurred on the team bus following its trip home from their weekend game in North Carolina.

Albany police responded to a report of aggravated harassment at the team’s hotel Monday Morning. The Albany Police Department’s spokesman Steve Smith stated that the victims or anyone involved in the misdemeanor case will not be identified as the case is still ongoing.

All of this comes after consecutive National Arena League Championships for the Albany Empire. The Empire is off to a 1-2 start the 2023 season.

Brown took to Twitter on Sunday to post “Who’s the best players in the country who want to play for @thealbanyempir.”

Who's the best players in the country who want to play for @thealbanyempir opportunities knocking 3P at Steak

— AB (@AB84) May 1, 2023

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