Free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown received an eight-game suspension without pay for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.
Brown had been the subject of an NFL investigation after a lawsuit filed by her former coach alleged that Brown had sexually assaulted her multiple times. Brown was also accused of sexual misconduct at her home by an artist who worked there in 2017.
The wide receiver said his sexual relationship with the coach was consensual, and Brown met with the NFL in November as part of the investigation.
In announcing the suspension, the NFL said Brown was instructed to continue counseling and treatment. The league also said that any additional violations would likely result in more severe discipline.
Brown last played for the New England Patriots in September 2019. The Patriots released him a week later, and since then he has not been signed by a team.
If Brown signs with a team before the regular season, he would be allowed to participate in preseason activities. The suspension would take effect after the final reduction of the roster on September 5, and would be eligible to return after the team plays eight games.
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