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Antonio Brown’s New England Patriots debut remains scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.
But that call will be New England’s to make.
The Dan Patrick Show reported Friday that the NFL will not be placing the wide receiver on the commissioner’s exempt list ahead of New England’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff against the Miami Dolphins. Brown, 31, is facing allegations of sexual assault and rape in a civil suit filed in the Southern District of Florida on Tuesday.
Sources confirmed the NFL’s decision to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
At this point, NFL will not place Antonio Brown on commissioner exempt list, as there is no criminal investigation, making him eligible to play Sunday vs. Miami, per sources. NFL has opened its investigation, which will include interviews with Antonio Brown and his accuser.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2019
The league has opened its investigation and plans to interview Brown and his accuser, Britney Taylor. There is no criminal investigation at this time.
Brown, who spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was traded to the Oakland Raiders in March, has participated fully in practice since his signing was made official on Monday.
If placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, Brown would be permitted at the facility and in team meetings, but ineligible to practice or play.