Nike Cuts Antonio Brown
A Nike spokesperson told the Boston Globe, Thursday, that the Swoosh no longer endorses Antonio Brown.
This news comes less than a week after helmet manufacturer Xenith ended its partnership with the star New England Patriots’ receiver.
Brown continues to face the fallout of sexual assault allegations by his former personal trainer Britney Taylor.
Taylor, a 28-year-old gymnastics coach, alleges Brown sexually harassed and assaulted her on three separate occasions, culminating with a rape on May 20, 2018 – prior to the star receiver’s final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the lawsuit, Taylor describes Brown’s life as chaotic around the time of her purported rape, stating it was chaotic due in part to his many endorsement deals, which, at the time, included Nike, Campbell’s Soup, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, AT&T/DirecTV and Rite Aid.
Taylor contends Brown “failed to hold up his contractual obligations,” and she had been helping him to honor those commitments.
Brown saw his endorsements end with Campbell’s, Pizza Hut and Pepsi earlier this year, per the Boston Globe.
On the field, Brown seemed himself, reeling in four of his eight targets for 56 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown in his Patriots’ debut.
Off the field, business has never been less boomin’ for the 31-year-old.
We will continue to follow this story as it continues to develop. Taylor, a newlywed, is expected to speak with the NFL this week and, despite this being a civil and not a criminal lawsuit, Brown could still face league discipline, if the results of their investigation support Taylor’s allegations.
Update (9/20/19): Brown has been released by the Patriots following additional allegations by other accusers.
Update (1/13/20): After several incidents at his home in Hollywood, FL, Brown was told he was no longer welcome to participate in the Hollywood Police Department’s youth league, resulting in a trespass order being issued against the receiver, preventing him from interacting with the league.
Updater (1/21/20): Brown’s trainer Glenn Holt was arrested and a felony burglary and battery warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest after a moving truck driver claimed he was assaulted by the receiver at Brown’s home in Hollywood, FL.
Update (1/23/20): Brown has turned himself in, to face felony burglary and battery charges in Hollywood, FL.
Update (1/28/20): A Florida Circuit Court Judge (Michael Usan) granted Brown a release from house arrest, while the receiver awaits his trial, so that Brown may satisfy contractual obligations within the United States.
Update (2/3/20): After publicly apologizing to his ex Chelsie Kyriss, Brown and Kyriss were spotted partying at Liv Nightclub in Miami, after the Super Bowl. The two had been involved in several well-publicized domestic incidents since December.
