Last week, the NFL reportedly released an updated version of its Personal Conduct Policy, which allows the league to discipline players for off-the-field activities. Now, it’s reportedly come to light that part of the new policy is in place because of a messy situation Antonio Brown left with the New England Patriots.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that the NFL has included a new item to the policy that was inspired by the Brown incident “and a few others.”
Here’s the item in question, per Florio:
“In addition, active and prospective players have an obligation to promptly disclose any such incidents to their club or the league office before signing a contract with a club.”
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This traces back to the situation that unfolded in New England when the team brought in Brown during the 2019 season. The star receiver had recently been cut by the Raiders, leaving him to unite with Tom Brady to form a dangerous duo. However, things went sideways quickly after a series of sexual assault accusations were levied against Brown. Florio notes that Brown was aware of the accusations, but did not tell the Patriots.
After more allegations came to light, the Patriots cut Brown after just one game. However, the was the issue of the $9 million in guaranteed Brown was owed as part of his contract — allegations or not. The Patriots ultimately settled a grievance with Brown by paying him $5 million.
