Advertisement

New England Patriots WR Antonio Brown dropped as Nike athlete

By Connor Grott
New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown has lost partnerships with Nike and helmet manufacturer Xenith following allegations of sexual assault. Photo by Rhona Wise/EPA-EFE
New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown has lost partnerships with Nike and helmet manufacturer Xenith following allegations of sexual assault. Photo by Rhona Wise/EPA-EFE

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Nike has ended its relationship with New England Patriots star wide receiver Antonio Brown as the NFL continues its investigation into sexual assault allegations against him.

A Nike spokesperson told CBS Boston and the Boston Globe on Thursday that "Antonio Brown is not a Nike athlete," ending the brand's shoe deal with the wideout. Nike didn't disclose why the brand is no longer conducting business with the Patriots pass-catcher.

Advertisement

In a civil lawsuit filed last week in the Southern District of Florida, Brown's former trainer, Britney Taylor, accused him of sexual assault on three separate occasions. Brown has denied the allegations.

Taylor's lawsuit says two of the incidents occurred in June 2017 and another in May 2018. One of the alleged 2017 incidents occurred in Pittsburgh, where Brown played for the Steelers for nine seasons. The other allegations, which included rape, took place in Florida.

The NFL is investigating the matter and interviewed Taylor for about 10 hours Monday, according to CBS Boston. It remains unclear when or if Brown will interview with the league.

Advertisement

Brown made his debut for the Patriots on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. The receiver is expected to make his Gillette Stadium debut Sunday when the Patriots host the New York Jets.

In his first interview since joining the Patriots, Brown told reporters Thursday that he's keeping his focus on football.

"I appreciate that question. I'm just here to focus on ball," Brown said. "I look forward to getting out there in the home stadium and being with the team.

"I'm super grateful to be here, to play for Bill Belichick, Tom Brady. I got a lot of the offense to learn, and catch up. But I'm excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys."

Brown joined the Patriots on Sept. 9 after being released by the Oakland Raiders, who originally acquired him from the Steelers in an off-season trade.

Latest Headlines