New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault from his former trainer, Britney Taylor.
The accuser just met with the National Football League after filing a civil suit in federal court last week.
Despite this, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office previously decided not to investigate the claims.
That could now change. Said office just recently reached out to the lawyer for Brown’s accuser regarding the first two allegations.
This is interesting in that the statute of limitations (two years) exists within the state of Pennsylvania. What that means is anyone’s best guess.
Another report indicates that the DA’s office plans to initiate a criminal investigation.
Above all else at this early stage of the situation, this could impact Brown’s standing within the league.
The NFL was handcuffed in what it could do to discipline Brown simply because no sworn statements have been made in court and a criminal investigation had not yet been initiated.
If the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office decides to open an investigation, the NFL could either place Brown on the Commissioner’s Exempt List or suspend him outright.
Update: Given the local statute of limitations, it appears that the DA will not go through with a criminal investigation.
“Our office, along with the Allegheny County Police Department, made contact with counsel for the plaintiff in the federal lawsuit involving Antonio Brown,” the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office told ESPN in a statement. “Procedurally, it appears there is a statute of limitations issue in moving forward with any inquiry involving the Allegheny County allegation mentioned in the lawsuit.”
That pretty much clarifies the situation regarding Brown and any criminal investigation. It also seems to be a clear indication that he’ll play Week 3 against the New York Jets.