The NFL is suspended free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown for eight games, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. The suspension could be lengthened depending on if further violations are found connected to a civil suit in Florida, per Pelissero. Much of this relates back to sexual misconduct incidents first reported by then Sports Illustrated reporter Robert Klemko.
Brown is unsigned, but even if he remains unsigned he will be able to start serving the suspension Week 1. If he signs with a team before Week 1, he can participate in all of his club’s preseason activities. The suspension takes effect as of the final roster reduction on September 5th. If he signs with a team, he can return after their eighth game.
UPDATE: Here is the NFL’s complete statement on the matter:
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.
Brown, who played one game in the 2019 season for the New England Patriots before being released, is an unrestricted free agent and may sign with any team. If he is signed before the start of the 2020 season, Brown would be eligible to participate in all of his club’s preseason activities. Brown’s suspension would take effect as of the final roster reduction on September 5. He would be eligible to return after the team’s eighth game.
As part of the discipline, Brown was directed to continue his program of counseling and treatment, and that he is expected fully to cooperate with his clinicians.
Brown was advised that any future violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will likely result in more significant discipline.