Brown trains amid scandal

We’re taking it very seriously, all the way through the organization

ANTONIO Brown starts training with the New England Patriots amid rape allegations. AFP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Antonio Brown practiced with his New England Patriots teammates for the first time on as the National Football League (NFL) prepared an investigation into the rape allegations surrounding the star receiver.

Brown, who was formally signed by the Patriots after his tumultuous exit from the Oakland Raiders, faces a new legal nightmare after being accused of rape in a lawsuit filed in federal court.

Lawyers for the 31-year-old NFL star, who has denied the allegations, vowed to countersue his accuser, describing the lawsuit as an extortion attempt.

The Patriots issued a statement, saying the NFL had informed them they planned to investigate the allegations made by Brown’s former trainer Britney Taylor.

Taylor, who has known Brown since the two were in college together, alleges she was sexually assaulted in three separate incidents in 2017 and 2018. Attorneys for Brown said sexual interactions between the player and Taylor were consensual.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick declined to elaborate on Brown’s situation as he spoke to reporters on Wednesday.

“On Antonio’s situation, both Antonio and his representatives have made statements, so I’m not going to expand on any of those,” Belichick said.

“They are what they are. We’ve looked into the situation. We’re taking it very seriously, all the way through the organization. I’m sure there are questions, but I’m not entering into a discussion about that today.”

Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus meanwhile told ESPN that the receiver and his advisers had been “anticipating the possibility” of a lawsuit from Taylor.