Antonio Brown lost his place in the NFL earlier this year after he was publicly accused of sexual misconduct.  According to a former physical trainer he employed, Britney Taylor, Brown forced himself on her on three different occasions across two years, allegedly succeeding in raping her on one of the occasions.

When the news broke, so did Brown and his career with the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots.  Always asserting that any relations between the two were consensual, Brown has now launched a lawsuit against Taylor for defamation of character.

Taylor served Antonio Brown with a lawsuit in Florida at the beginning of November, giving him 45 days to respond.  His response is simple – let this play out in court so he can prove his innocence and receive vindication.  He added that Taylor only wants money from him and that she had, at one point during their platonic (or otherwise) relationship tried to get him to make an investment of $1.65 million in her gymnastics business.

According to Brown, he signed a confidentiality agreement with Taylor in March, but did so “under duress.”  Taylor must be a lot more powerful than her 5’2” frame demonstrates if she can scare a major football player into doing something under duress.  She doesn’t look like she would be 120 pounds soaking wet.

The agreement was reportedly made just before Antonio Brown went to the Raiders from the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as before his subsequent transfer to the Pats.  The wide receiver asserts that Taylor’s “false accusations” and comments have cost him his job and his livelihood, and impacts all of his business dealings, leading him to file his countersuit against his attacker.

He isn’t able to elaborate on many of the issues surrounding the case and that previously-signed confidentiality agreement prevent him for talking about “a number of relevant events” that he feels are relevant to his case.  He adds that, when Taylor met with league officials over the allegations, the subject of waiving the terms of the agreement came up, but she refused.  This, according to Brown, is enough to lead him to add civil conspiracy to his countersuit.

Antonio Brown adds in his filing, “In summary, after enduring a failed business endeavor and also failing to gain the relationship status she desired with Brown, Taylor began a vicious campaign of lies and deceit targeting Brown both personally and professionally.  Taylor’s acts have all but ruined Brown’s career, causing him to lose a number of substantial and lucrative business contracts, and impacting the public persona in such a manner as to cause Brown and his family significant personal and financial harm.”

Taylor’s attorney, David Haas, has been provided a copy of Brown’s countersuit and asserts that his client will “not be bullied,” adding, “Today, Antonio Brown countersued the woman he raped and blamed her for the self-destructive conduct that led to the demise of his NFL career.  In the past, Defendant Brown has used intimidation to avoid responsibility for his actions. However, Ms. Taylor will not be bullied and remains steadfast in holding Defendant Brown accountable.”

The NFL is still investigating the incident as the drama lingers on.  Short of damning evidence that shows Taylor having fabricated the story completely, his days in the league may be over.  However, he is still trying to keep on the good side of Pats owner Robert Kraft and left him a message on Instagram this past Tuesday.  It read, “Mr. Kraft I apologize sincerely to you and your organization! All I wanted to be was an asset to the organization; sorry for the bad media and the drama ! Thank you sincerely AB.”