The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 1 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on September 20, 2019
In lieu of Antonio Brown’s success despite allegations
By Emily Mosher ‘21
Sports and Layout Editor
“Every Catch from Antonio Brown’s Patriots debut” …. “Antonio Brown makes impressive touchdown catch from Tom Brady” …. The headlines are chock-full of talk about Brown’s recent debut on the New England Patriots. However, no one’s talking about the rape allegations that came out less than a week ago.
Brown was let go from the Oakland Raiders after they were fed up with his conduct. He was then picked up by the Patriots on a $15 million contract. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he fully supported Brown joining the team. Brady also posted an Instagram story, shouting out Brown and his offensive line: “Just getting started.” Brown’s teammates shouted him out and said he was a “tremendous asset” after this debut against the Miami Dolphins on September 15.
Brown’s ex-personal trainer, Brittany Taylor, said in a civil lawsuit that he assaulted her several times in her position as his trainer. He abused his position of power and took advantage of Taylor, according to the lawsuit. These aren’t the only allegations to come out about Brown.
A definitive timeline is put together in a New York Post article by Joshua Rhett Miller. The allegations Miller outlines go beyond rape and sexual misconduct; they also delve into league violations.
In January 2017, Brown streamed the Steelers’ post-game celebration, a league violation costing Brown a cool $10,000. In October 2018, Brown allegedly threw furniture off his 14-story balcony in Florida, barely missing a 22-month old boy, according to another civil lawsuit.
In November 2018, Brown was cited for reckless driving and speeding over 100 mph—just hours before the Steelers faced off against the Carolina Panthers. In February 2019, the mother of one of his children told police that Brown pushed her to the ground when she was in his way while he was attempting to close the front door. This was allegedly investigated by officials, not ending in arrest.
Stefano Tedeschi, a celebrity chef, sued Brown for $38,521 over an unpaid tab, according to TMZ. Brown contested the allegations. In July 2019, Brown signed a contract with a guaranteed payout of $30 million and showed up to the Raiders’ training camp in a hot air balloon. He then was unable to practice, due to frostbite he acquired in France.
In August 2019, Brown’s former personal trainer sued him for $7,194 in unpaid services. Brown’s attorney assured TMZ that his trainer was paid in full. On September 4, 2019, Brown posted a letter from the Oakland general manager, Mike Mayock, notifying Brown that he owed $53,000 in fines for missed practices.
Three days later, the Raiders decided to drop Brown for conduct, even though this was after Brown demanded his release from the Raiders. Most recently, Brown signed his $15 million contract with the Patriots. On September 10, Taylor alleged the rape and sexual misconduct violations.
This brings up the true question: is success as an athletic favored over personal character?
It makes you wonder what Brown can’t get away with. A quote from TMZ came out after the win against the Dolphins, stating: “Antonio Brown has taken the field for the Patriots, and so far … he’s doing pretty damn well, having made several catches and helping his new team score first against the Dolphins.”
Why isn’t there more coverage on the allegations? Highlight videos and articles about his great performance came out in multitudes. We see this a lot in professional athletics. Whether it’s the NBA with the allegations about Kobe Bryant or the domestic violence issues in the Major Leagues. Bryant is still idolized as one of the best players of all time. Teams rarely drop players based on allegations. It’s usually a few game suspension. For example, the Toronto Blue Jays closer, Rob Osuna, was suspended for 75 games after being charged with one count of assault.
As we know, history frequently repeats itself. The Patriots should watch Brown’s conduct in these next few crucial months and ensure he does not act out again.
Emily Mosher can be reached at moshere@mx.lakeforest.edu
