Report: Patriots WR Antonio Brown accused of rape and sexual assault in new lawsuit

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

As first reported by Ben Shpigel of the New York Times, a new lawsuit accuses Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown of raping and sexually assaulting a woman he first met in college in three separate incidents.

According to a federal suit filed on Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida, Brown sexually assaulted gymnast Britney Taylor in two separate incidents in June 2017 then raped her in a third incident in May 2018. The two first met each other at Central Michigan, where they both attended, and Brown eventually hired Taylor as a trainer.

Attorney Darren Heitner said in a statement Tuesday, in part: "Mr. Brown denies each and every allegation in the lawsuit. He will pursue all legal remedies to not only clear his name, but to also protect other professional athletes against false accusations."

Heitner's statement says that Taylor ("the accuser") entered a "consensual personal relationship" with Brown, and that "any sexual interaction with Mr. Brown was entirely consensual."

A statement from Taylor's legal team reads: "As a rape victim of Antonio Brown, deciding to speak out has been an incredibly difficult decision. I have found strength in my faith, my family, and from the accounts of other survivors of sexual assault."

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Brown intends to countersue Taylor for civil extortion.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.