HEADLINE

Patriots WR Brown: ‘Just focused on ball’

Field Level Media

September 19, 2019 at 9:46 pm.

In his first public comments since joining the New England Patriots on Sept. 7, wide receiver Antonio Brown declined to address his status amid the league’s investigation into sexual assault allegations against him.

“I appreciate that question,” Brown replied when asked about the subject Thursday. “I’m just here to just focus on ball. I look forward to getting out there in the home stadium and being with the team.”

That was the fourth and final question Brown took during a one-minute session with reporters before a team official escorted Brown away. The first question Brown was asked concerned his standing with the league, but he declined to acknowledge it.

“I’m super grateful to be here,” Brown said. “Thankful for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. I’ve got a lot of the offense to learn and catch up, but I’m excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys.”

Brown was not asked directly about the accusations.

Britney Taylor, Brown’s former trainer, filed a civil suit last week accusing him of three incidents of sexual assault or rape over a two-year period from 2017-18. According to multiple reports, the league met with Taylor for 10 hours on Monday as it investigates the accusations, and a meeting with Brown is expected at some point.

Brown made his Patriots debut on Sunday in Miami, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown while playing 24 snaps.

The Patriots host the New York Jets on Sunday.