New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick abruptly left his news conference Friday after being asked repeated questions concerning embattled receiver Antonio Brown, just hours before the team did release Brown.
Belichick confirmed Brown remained on the Patriots roster at that time but didn’t address Brown’s off-field issues, which include recent allegations of sexual assault. Hours later, the team issued a written statement that it had released Brown.
“I know there are questions about Antonio,” Belichick told reporters gathered at the news conference, via NBCSportsBoston.com. “We take all the situations with our team very seriously. There are some things we’re looking into.”
Belichick added he would not comment “on any off-the-field situations” involving Brown. He said those words at the end of opening remarks that began with comments regarding Sunday’s home game against the New York Jets.
After answering a couple of general questions that stemmed from Brown’s situation, Belichick said he would talk football. After another Brown-related question was asked, Belichick said, “I’m good. Thank you.”
Later, the team issued the following statement:
“The New England Patriots are releasing Antonio Brown. We appreciate the hard work of many people over the past 11 days, but we feel it is best to move in a different direction at this time.”
The latest news surrounding Brown involved the female artist who leveled claims earlier this week that Brown made unwanted sexual advances before firing her. Sports Illustrated reported that she contacted the NFL Thursday, saying Brown sent her “intimidating and threatening” texts.