Free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown has received an eight-game suspension without pay for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league said Friday.
Brown had been the subject of an NFL investigation after a complaint filed by her former coach alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by Brown on multiple occasions. Brown was also accused of sexual misconduct at his home by an artist who worked there in 2017.
The receiver general 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 ordered to continue counseling and treatment. The league also said any further violation 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 he hasn’t been signed by a team since.
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 roster reduction on September 5, and he would be eligible to return after the team have played eight games.
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