Sep 15, 2019

NFL will meet Antonio Brown's accuser

Jacob Knutson

Antonio Brown. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

NFL investigators on Monday will meet with Britney Taylor, Antonio Brown's former trainer who accused the wide receiver of raping and sexually assaulting her 3 times throughout 2017 and 2018, according to the Boston Globe.

Why it matters: The NFL allowed Brown to play in the Patriots’ Week 2 game at Miami on Sunday, but he may not be field-eligible if the football association opens an investigation after the meeting.

Context: Taylor filed the accusation against Brown in the Southern District of Florida on Sept. 10, and Brown has denied the allegations.

What they're saying: Taylor said she will cooperate with the NFL and any other agencies when she filed the accusation.

  • Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, said Brown and Taylor had “a consensual personal relationship” and that Brown is considering countersuing, according to AP.

What's next: If the NFL opens an investigation, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will decide whether Brown continues to play as the investigation proceeds.

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Ursula Perano

Nike cancels sponsorship with Antonio Brown

Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Nike ended its sponsorship deal with New England Patriots receiver Antonio Brown Thursday, following accusations of sexual assault against the player, per USA Today.

The big picture: Just days after his dramatic departure from the Raiders and signing a 1-year, $15 million contract with the Patriots, Brown was accused of sexual assault in a civil suit by a former trainer last week. Brown's lawyer denied the claims, and the NFL is investigating the matter. Brown remains eligible to play and made his debut with the Patriots last weekend.

Go deeperArrowSep 19, 2019
Fadel Allassan

Patriots release Antonio Brown amid misconduct accusations

Photo: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The New England Patriots released wide receiver Antonio Brown on Friday, according to a team news release, after a second woman came forward with reports of sexual misconduct.

What they're saying: Per a statement, a Patriots spokesperson said it was time to "move in a different direction," given the NFL's investigation into allegations against the player, who has been mired in controversy since his departure from the Oakland Raiders earlier this month.

Go deeperArrowSep 20, 2019
Kia Kokalitcheva

WeWork — the book

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

WeWork’s roller coaster over the last two weeks has monopolized headlines, and now the story of the office coworking company and its high-flying CEO will be subjects of an upcoming book by Wall Street Journal reporters Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell, they tell Axios.

The big picture: The growing influence of technology companies on the world has made them not only the subjects of regulatory and investor scrutiny, but now also the focus of grand business narratives.

Go deeperArrowSep 30, 2019