(Above Image Credit: The Sporting News)
The wheel of misfortune keeps spinning for Antonio Brown, especially in football.
The Albany Empire, a small team owned by the former NFL player, was kicked out of the National Arena League this past Thursday after Brown failed to pay overdue fees. He also failed to pay a $1,000 fine to the NAL for conduct detrimental to the league after some public comments he made.
In a press release, the league said that the decision was made via an emergency conference call with members of the team who were in good standing. Furthermore, the league contacted Brown’s accountant, Alex Gunaris, who told them that he wasn’t going to pay either the assessment or fine, and that was what led to the call.
It is required by the NAL for team owners to pay one-seventh of their operating budget through monthly transactions. Brown acquired ownership of the Albany Empire back in April and paid for that month. However, he failed to make last month’s payment. He even challenged the April payment that was eventually credited back to him.
The NAL said they will adjust the remainder of their 2023 schedule. Albany’s run this season ended with a 1-6 record since Brown bought the team back in March.
This event is just the latest drama during Brown’s time in Albany. The Albany Times-Union has been covering some controversy surrounding him, such as whether he truly was the team’s owner and being kicked out of the field by security while greeting fans.
There were also rumors that Brown would suit up and play with the team. That didn’t happen, and Brown stated that the reason was the paperwork wasn’t complete.
