NFL suspends free agent WR Brown for eight games

"Antonio Brown was notified today by NFL Special Counsel for Conduct Todd
Jones that he has been suspended without pay for the first eight
regular-season games of the 2020 season for multiple violations of the NFL's
Personal Conduct Policy," the NFL said in an official statement.

Brown has been a free agent since September, when the New England Patriots
released him after one game following allegations of sexual assault and
intimidating text messages sent to an accuser. Those allegations led to the
NFL's investigation.

The NFL said Brown, an unrestricted free agent, would be eligible to take part
in all preseason activities should a team sign him before the season starts.
If that's the case, the suspension would go into effect with the final roster
cut on Sept. 5, and he could return in the team's ninth game.

Brown also was advised that any future violation of the Personal Conduct
Policy likely would result in more significant discipline.

Brown's agent, Ed Wasielewski, said in a twitter post that Brown has accepted
the suspension and won't appeal.

"He is excited to resume his outstanding football career and is looking
forward to playing in the 2020 season," Wasielewski said.

Last month, Brown was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to undergo
a psychological evaluation and enroll in a 13-week anger management course by
a Florida court after pleading no contest to an assault charge unrelated to
the allegations of sexual assault.

As part of the discipline, the league directed Brown to continue his
counseling and treatment program.

On Thursday, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said the team would
consider adding the free agent wide receiver, but not likely at this time. His
quarterback, reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson, has lobbied for the club to
sign Brown.

"We'll look at any and every player at all times. Antonio Brown is no
exception," Harbaugh told reporters.

Brown, 32, is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro. He had
104 catches for 1,297 yards and a league-best 15 touchdowns for the Pittsburgh
Steelers in 2018, his last full season. For his career, he has 841 receptions
for 11,263 yards and 75 TDs.

--Field Level Media