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The NFL plans to meet a woman on Monday who claims to have been raped by Antonio Brown, the receiver of the New England Patriots.
A person directly aware of the situation confirmed the meeting to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Britney Taylor has accused Brown of rape and sexual assault as part of a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday in the South Florida District. Brown denied the allegations of his former coach.
Taylor said Tuesday in a statement that she would cooperate with the NFL and all other agencies.
Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, said Brown and Taylor had "a consensual personal relationship". He told AP on Tuesday that his client was planning to counter-attack.
The Boston Globe first reported the meeting.
Brown made a splash in his debut with the Patriots on Sunday, taking advantage of a 20-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady during a 43-0 win in Miami. He led the team with 56 yards in four receptions, all in the first period.
"It's nice to have it there," coach Bill Belichick said.
New England activated the All-Pro receiver four times after it was not placed on the commissioner's exempt list. No criminal charges have been filed and the NFL has not yet developed its investigation. Brown was able to play for the Patriots, who acquired it after he asked for it and got his release from Oakland.
Players on the exemption list can not play games or train with a team, but are still paid. A player may be placed on the exempt list at any time.
His teammates praised Brown's early days and said he was quickly beginning to seize the offensive.
"He worked hard all week trying to learn as much as possible," said running back James White. "It is not easy to enter and try to learn in three days of practice." He started coaching, went there and played hard. "
When Brown joins Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman, the most valuable Super Bowl player, the Patriots form one of the most talented receiver corps in the league.
"I do not think any of us have any doubts about AB's skills," Gordon said. "It's good for everyone to see him, he continues to be what we expect from him, he's an excellent wide receiver and a good football player, and for us it's a tremendous asset that gives a great deal of relief. offensive linemen and halves, you can not in any way identify one facet of our offense to try to silence us, it helps us a lot, we are happy to have it. "
Brown caught all the passes of his way in the first period. Brady threw him four more times in the second half, but each pass was incomplete.
"We are making progress," said Belichick. "We are certainly not here yet."
Belichick declined to discuss the decision to activate Brown.
In general, the AP does not identify people who claim to be victims of sexual assault unless they publicly manifest themselves. Taylor was identified in the federal lawsuit and was quoted in a statement provided by his lawyer, David Haas.
"As a victim of the rape of Antonio Brown, deciding to speak was an incredibly difficult decision," Taylor said. "I found strength in my faith, in my family and in the stories of other survivors of sexual assault." Speaking out removes the shame that I felt during the course of my life. Past year and place on the person responsible for my rape. "
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