Antonio Brown’s ownership of the Albany Empire in the National Arena League has come to an abrupt end as the league announced its decision to remove the team due to Brown’s failure to pay overdue assessments. This decision came shortly after Brown went on a strange rant about the Empire and his involvement with the team. Despite claiming that his intention was not to make money but to give back to the community he grew up in, Brown’s tenure with the team has been marred by controversy.
Before the termination, there were already allegations of players and coaches not being paid properly, echoing similar claims made against the Empire. The NAL stated that Brown paid the team’s initial assessment in April but failed to make the May 15 assessment and also refused to pay a $1,000 fine for his recent comments. The league challenged the April assessment as well.
During his rant, Brown dismissed criticism and focused on his plans for the future, stating that the Empire would be moving to the AFL next year. He also made it clear that he saw himself as an owner who provided opportunities for players to fulfill their dreams, rather than engaging in back-and-forth with NAL players. Brown’s father, Eddie Brown, a former Arena Football League star, had an influence on his decision to be involved with the Empire.
Brown’s NFL career ended abruptly when he left the field shirtless during a game between the Buccaneers and the Jets in 2022. He previously played for the Steelers, where he established himself as one of the top receivers in the league, and had short stints with the Patriots and Buccaneers.
In his rant, Brown emphasized that he sees himself as a lobbyist, someone who makes dreams come true and helps players reach the next level in their lives. He wanted to remind people of his purpose as an owner, which revolves around winning, sponsorships, and tickets, rather than focusing on average players seeking a regular life.
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