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The Patriots left Antonio Brown on Friday afternoon, releasing it unceremoniously after only one game. But the NFL's investigation of the charges against him continues without the truncated time window created by the games.
Example: While the Patriots cut him off, NFL investigators ended their interview with a second accuser – an artist Sports Illustrated reported to Brown had included in a text group asking his friends to delve into his past. While the documents she provided were reviewed by league staff, the Patriots cut him off.
Earlier in the week, Monday, the NFL questioned Britney Taylor, Brown's first accuser, who claimed in a civil suit that she had assaulted her twice before raping her. By his lawyer, Brown denies all allegations.
"The investigation is ongoing and will be pursued with vigor and speed," the league said in a statement.
Brown is now a free agent, his next job is unlikely until the end of the investigation into allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. Criminal charges have not been filed. The NFL did not list him on the commissioner's exempt list and, as the league stated in a recent statement, as long as he is a free agent, he will not be placed on the listing. There is no need.
The league had considered it at the time of publication, but had not yet developed. If Brown is signed by a team, he could be placed on the list at any time. This will almost certainly deter future employers.
The decision to release Brown was led by owner Robert Kraft, sources said, prompted by texting that was revealed Friday and by the thought that the end was not close. Several players privately expressed their dissatisfaction with the move, as Brown impressed his teammates very quickly. He did things that no one else could do.
When Brown landed for the first time in New England, he signed a contract with a $ 10 million guarantee, a signing bonus of $ 9 million. While he had won two match checks, the first $ 5 million check of his signing bonus was due on Monday, September 23rd.
All parties are convinced that the Patriots will not cut the check, holding back money instead and forcing Brown to file a grievance for money that he believed fully guaranteed.
Thanks in part to the confidential settlement discussions with the first accuser underway at the time of signing, Brown did not disclose the charges to the Patriots, and the Patriots associate the wording of the signing bonus with the wording relating to the confiscation. Their argument will probably be that he has not been forthright on an issue that has altered his ability to play.
Sources said that the Patriots would not have signed Brown if they had knowledge of the outstanding issues.
This case should probably be played in the courts, Brown having to fight for his $ 10 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Patriots will play tonight without their dominant history in uniform.
Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.
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