Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown has received an eight-game suspension without pay for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.
Brown had been the subject of an NFL investigation following an accusation of sexual misconduct at his home by an artist who was working there in 2017. He also pleaded no contest in June to a felony burglary with battery charge and two lesser misdemeanor charges related to a January incident with a moving truck company outside his home in Hollywood, Florida.
In announcing the suspension, the NFL said that Brown was directed to continue counseling and treatment. The league also said that any further violations would likely result in harsher discipline.
He will not appeal, his agent said.
“He is excited to resume his outstanding football career and is looking forward to playing in the 2020 season,” agent Ed Wasielewski said.
Brown wrote on Instagram later Friday that he looks “forward to new beginnings.”
“I want to be the best version of myself on and off the field, and I will do my best to be a great teammate,” he wrote. “I appreciate the NFL giving me the opportunity to continue to work on myself and improve. I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity to play a game that I truly love and I look forward to joining a new team soon. Thank you to my family and all those that have supported me. I will show the fans my appreciation for this second chance by having the best season of my career.”
A separate NFL investigation into Brown stemming from a lawsuit filed by his former trainer alleging that she was sexually assaulted by the wide receiver is ongoing. Brown has said his sexual relationship with the trainer was consensual. Brown met with the NFL in November as part of the investigation.
Brown could be suspended for additional games following the conclusion of that investigation, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Brown, 32, last played for the New England Patriots in September 2019. The Patriots released him one week later, and he hasn’t been signed by a team since.
If Brown signs with a team before the regular season, he would be allowed to participate in preseason activities. The suspension would take effect after the final roster reduction Sept. 5, and he would be eligible to return after the team plays eight games.
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