Former Patriots receiver’s arena team fail to meet obligations, kicked out of the league
Antonio Brown continues to make headlines, and not for good reasons. The former Patriots' receiver's most recent venture has failed. Brown purchased the Albany Empire, a team in the National Arena League, earlier in the year, but the team has been kicked out of the league due to lack of payment. "The decision was reached […]
Antonio Brown continues to make headlines, and not for good reasons.
The former Patriots' receiver's most recent venture has failed. Brown purchased the Albany Empire, a team in the National Arena League, earlier in the year, but the team has been kicked out of the league due to lack of payment.
"The decision was reached after an emergency conference call of the members in good standing to discuss the Empire’s failure to pay their league mandated and overdue assessments. Each team is responsible to pay for 1/7 of the league’s operating budget via monthly assessments starting in April. The Empire’s owner, Antonio Brown, was also fined $1,000 for Conduct Detrimental to the League for his recent public comments. Mr. Brown refused to pay that fine," the NAL said in a statement.
Brown was given until Thursday at noon to make the necessary payment. Yet, he did not meet the deadline and thus the Albany Empire was kicked out of the league. The NAL has had other financial issues with Brown.
"After acquiring the Albany Empire, new team owner Antonio Brown paid the Empire’s April assessment. The team then failed to make their May 15th assessment payment and last week just before the Empire’s game in Orlando, the league was notified that the April assessment was being challenged. That payment was subsequently credited back to Mr Brown. The league informed his accountant, Alex Gunaris, who in previous communications requested that the league communicate directly with Mr Gunaris regarding financial obligations with the Empire. Mr Gunaris was informed of the league's attempts to collect the delinquent assessments and he communicated to the league that it didn't seem like Mr Brown was going to pay the assessment or fine."
Brown's lack of payment has now led to a bunch of football players being out of work.
Brown spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but following the 2018 season, he requested a trade and joined the Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) Raiders. Yet, Brown never played a game with the Raiders and instead was fined for lack of attendance and other team-related issues and released prior to the start of the season.
Just a day after being released, Brown signed with the New England Patriots and played in one game in Week 2. He had four receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown, but was cut following the game due to allegations of sexual and personal misconduct, along with allegations of sending intimidating text messages to one of his accusers.
Tom Brady continued to advocate for the receiver and when the quarterback joined the Buccaneers, Brown signed with them soon after. He remained with the team for two years, but during the 2021 season, he took of his jersey, shoulder pads, glove, and shift off and ran off the field, with Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians announcing following that game that Brown is no longer on the team.
It seems controversy follows Brown where ever he goes.
Featured Image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
