After dealing with frostbitten feet, a helmet issue with the NFL, being released by the Oakland Raiders, and signing with the New England Patriots, Antonio Brown became subject of a civil lawsuit that was filed last week in Florida, accusing the all-pro wide receiver of sexual assault and rape.
Britney Taylor, a former gymnast who helped train Brown for an upcoming NFL season, claims Brown forcibly kissed her and masturbated in her presence on two separate occasions in 2017 and raped her in May 2018.
According to Brown’s attorney, Darren Heitner, the wide receiver denies all allegations in the lawsuit against him.
What Antonio Brown’s Defense Team Says
Brown claims he was approached by Taylor in 2017 after he signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league at the time. Taylor then asked Brown to invest $1.6 million in her business project but cut off communications with Brown after he refused.
In 2018, Taylor reached out to Brown and offered her training services. His lawyer says the pair were involved in “consensual personal relationship” and Taylor frequently traveled to Brown’s residences in Florida.
On the day of the alleged rape, Brown claims the two engaged in consensual sexual intercourse after Taylor invited herself to join Brown and his friends at a Miami strip club.
In a report by ESPN, Brown refused to sign a settlement agreement with Taylor worth $2 million to end the allegations. He entered settlement discussions in April, which included mediation in May.
What Brad Bailey Law Says
Attorney Brad Bailey has years of experience dealing with sexual assault allegations and believes no one should rush to judgment on the Antonio Brown case. There are a number of red flags surrounding the accusations based on the timing and circumstances of the lawsuit.
Given the timeline of the allegations, how come Taylor didn’t immediately report the incident to law enforcement? Why directly file a civil lawsuit instead?
Additionally, how come she didn’t make these allegations known when he was a member of the Steelers or Raiders? How come they were only made public after he signed with the Patriots?
It is not uncommon for alleged sexual assault victims to make false accusations for monetary gain, especially if it’s against a celebrity or well-known public figure. The timing of Brown’s allegations, the lack of police involvement, (or reporting to law enforcement), the prospective business investment in which he previously declined to invest, her continued contact with Brown after alleged assaulrs, as well as her possible financial motive to lie, all seem to suggest there is more to the story provided by Taylor.
While sexual assault allegations should always be taken seriously, a case with this many red flags at the outset should not result in a rush to judgment. Instead, Mr. Brown is entitled to a presumption of innocence under due process of the law unless or until he is found responsible, or proven guilty, in a court of law.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Boston, MA, contact Brad Bailey Law today at (617) 500-0252 and schedule a free consultation.