Antonio Brown has finally lost an endorsement. After multiple negative stories surrounding the New England Patriots wide receiver, it is now reported that he lost a high-profile endorsement with Nike. The news comes from USA TODAY Sports.
Brown has been accused of sexual assault and rape by a former trainer and of sexual assault from another unnamed woman.
Brown forced his way out of Oakland after a preseason filled with absurd drama stemming from the wide receiver’s frost-bitten feet to threatening to retire over an issue with his league-approved helmet. The Raiders acquired Brown in the offseason via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers but they ultimately decided the headaches weren’t worth it.
From the Boston Globe:
Asked multiple times to elaborate on the reason for the decision and clarify its timing, the spokesperson declined. Several signs suggest that recent allegations against the wide receiver served as a catalyst for why the world’s largest sneaker seller would want to disassociate itself from Brown. Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return a message seeking comment. Three days after the Patriots acquired Brown on Sept. 7, Brown’s former physical service trainer Britney Taylor filed a civil complaint in US District Court in Miami that accuses him of sexual assault stemming from two alleged incidents from June 2017, and rape from a May 20, 2018, incident in Brown’s home in Miami.
Now, Brown is a member of the New England Patriots where he will look to improve his image.
Throughout his career in the NFL, Brown has hauled in 837 catches for 11,207 yards and 74 touchdowns. Last season, Brown recorded 104 catches for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns. In each of the last 6 seasons, Brown has recorded at least 100 catches and 1,000 yards. The Patriots opened the season with a blowout win over Brown’s former team, the Steelers.
Up next for the New England Patriots is a meeting with the AFC East rival New York Jets. Kickoff on Sunday, September 22 at home on CBS.