Antonio Brown Rape Accusations: 5 Things To Know

New England Patriots receiver Antonio Brown hasn't even played a game with his new team yet — and there are questions as to whether he ever will. Brown was accused of raping his former trainer in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida, the latest off-field controversy for the All-Pro receiver and first since he signed with New England Monday. Brown denied the rape accusations.

The accusations against Antonio Brown

The lawsuit claims that in June 2017, Brown exposed himself to and kissed his accuser, a woman, without permission. Later that month, he was accused of performing an unwanted sex act involving her as they watched television at his Florida home. The lawsuit said he bragged about the incident in profane terms in texts.

The woman stopped working for Brown, who, the lawsuit said, apologized. In May 2018, the lawsuit said Brown forced his accuser onto a bed and raped her as she tried to resist, screaming "no" and "stop."

Brown's response

Brown denied the accusations through a statement from his attorney, Darren Heitner. Heitner said the two engaged in consensual sex and the woman tried to benefit from Brown financially.

"Antonio Brown will leave no stone unturned and will aggressively defend himself, including exercising all of his rights in countersuits," Heitner later tweeted.

New England Patriots' response

The Patriots released the following statement late Tuesday night:

"We are aware of the civil lawsuit that was filed earlier today against Antonio Brown, as well as the response by Antonio's representatives. We take these allegations very seriously. Under no circumstance does this organization condone sexual violence or assault. The league has informed us that they will be investigating. We have no further comment while that investigation takes place."

Brown was scheduled to take part in practice with the team Wednesday. The Patriots play in Miami Sunday.

What the NFL could do with Brown

The Patriots said the league is investigating the incident. The accusations are part of a civil lawsuit, not a criminal one, and that could mean the NFL allows it to play out before levying discipline. Still, the league does not need to wait for any legal ruling before possibly disciplining Brown.

Brown could be placed on the commissioner's exempt list, which is a sort of paid suspension. If the NFL does nothing, the Patriots could still cut ties with him.

Brown's history

Brown was signed by the Patriots after a string of bizarre behavior on his part led to the Oakland Raiders releasing him. Brown's antics included saying he was injured after not using the correct footwear during cryotherapy; not practicing with the team and reportedly threatening to retire due to the NFL banning the old helmet model he used; getting into a heated altercation with Oakland's general manager; posting a video online that included a private conversation between he and his coach; and finally demanding the team release him. His antics cost him $30 million in guaranteed money.

Brown's troubled history goes beyond recent headlines. He was accused of violence against the mother of one of his children and throwing items off a balcony, almost striking a toddler.