One of the consequences that Antonio Brown faces after being released by the New England Patriots is reportedly a significant loss of money.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, citing a league source, Brown “likely forfeits” his $9 million signing bonus because “of a contract clause calling for players to disclose situations preventing availability.”
Fowler notes that this could lead to a grievance, but his source says that money is “gone,” noting Brown was due for a $5 million payment on Monday.
According to Spotrac, Brown could be out even more money than that.
The Patriots would potentially be able to forfeit Brown’s signing bonus because he failed to disclose he was being accused of multiple acts of sexual assault by former trainer, Britney Taylor.
Since that accusation became public, a second woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct, alleging he approached her completely naked with nothing more than a hand towel covering up his genitals.
Brown then sent the second woman text messages she and her lawyer have called “threatening,” and the NFL is now looking into that matter along with the allegations of sexual assault by Taylor.
The NFL has yet to make any determination or issued any disciplinary measures to this point on either investigation.
Though his agent has said Brown will be eager to sign with a new team following this latest release, one report suggests his career could be over.