FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The New England Patriots' new star receiver Antonio Brown has been accused of sexual assault and rape in a federal lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida.
The lawsuit claims that Brown, in three separate incidents, sexually assaulted and forced himself on a woman named Britney Taylor.
Taylor is a gymnast whom Brown met while they were attending Central Michigan University together. Taylor was working as Brown's personal trainer when the alleged incidents occurred -- two in June 2017 and another in May 2018.
"As a rape victim of Antonio Brown, deciding to speak out has been an incredibly difficult decision," reads a statement Taylor released through her attorney, David Haas. "I have found strength in my faith, my family, and from the accounts of other survivors of sexual assault. Speaking out removes the shame that I have felt for the past year and places it on the person responsible for my rape."
In her statement, Taylor said she will cooperate with the National Football League and any other agencies in potential investigations.
Ben Shpigel of The New York Times tweeted the news and his accompanying report at 8:31 p.m. Tuesday. In his report, he said it was not clear whether Taylor reported her accusations to the police.Josina Anderson, of ESPN, tweeted that her sources told her that Brown intends to countersue his accuser for civil extortion.
Darren Heitner, Brown's lawyer, released a statement on Twitter regarding the allegations.
"Mr. Brown denies each and every allegation in the lawsuit," the statement reads. "He will pursue all legal remedies to not only clear his name, but to also protect other professional athletes against false allegations.
"Mr. Brown, whose hard work and dedication to his craft has allowed him to rise to the top of his profession, refuses to be the victim of what he believes to be a money grab."
In his statement, Heitner said any sexual interaction between Brown and Taylor was entirely consensual.
The Patriots officially signed Brown on Monday. The terms of the contract were not announced, but it is believed to be a one-year deal that will guarantee the four-time All-Pro $9 million.
The 31-year-old receiver asked for and was granted his release by the Oakland Raiders on Saturday following a monthslong saga that included a spat with the team's general manager. Brown reportedly agreed to terms with New England just hours after he was released by Oakland.
Brown is a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
WCVB has contacted the New England Patriots for comment but has not immediately heard back.