Report: Antonio Brown will not be placed on commissioner’s exempt list this week, eligible to play against Dolphins
Antonio Brown will be eligible to play against the Dolphins in Week 2. The NFL does not intend to place the Patriots receiver on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Sep 11, 2019; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown warms up during practice at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAYBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
There will be no disciplinary decisions on Antonio Brown this week.
As first reported by the Dan Patrick Show on Friday and later confirmed by Adam Schefter, Brown will not be placed on the commissioner's exempt list in Week 2, making him eligible to play for the Patriots on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Brown is only facing a civil lawsuit and no criminal charges, so the NFL ostensibly does not want to set the precedent of putting a player on the exempt list over mere accusations.
Brown is accused of rape and sexual assault over three different incidents in the civil lawsuit levied against him by his former trainer, Britney Taylor. She is expected to meet with the NFL next week as the league opens an investigation into the allegations.
But for now, Brown can suit up for the Patriots on Sunday if head coach Bill Belichick wants to activate him. It took two weeks for Josh Gordon to play after the Patriots acquired him from the Browns in 2018. Brown practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday, a strong indication that he will be active.
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.
