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Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown to play in Albany Empire game Saturday

Antonio Brown said earlier this month he planned to play in a game for the Albany Empire, the National Arena League team he owns. 

On Thursday, the ex-NFL star showed up for a team practice. 

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown arrives courtside during the second half of an NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets Jan. 3, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout showed up 10 minutes before practice ended and told WTEN’s Griffin Haas he would play in the weekend’s game against the Fayetteville Mustangs. 

EX-NFL STAR ANTONIO BROWN TO PLAY FOR ALBANY EMPIRE AFTER TAKING OVER OWNERSHIP: REPORT

Brown, who warmed up before running a single route, said the amount of time he plays will be up to new head coach Pete Porcelli.

Porcelli is the Empire’s third head coach this season. 

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium Nov. 23, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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Former head coach Tom Menas, who coached Albany to back-to-back championships, was fired before the start of the season but was eventually brought back after his replacement, coach Damon Ware, and several players were suspended following a public dispute over payments and an incident on the team’s bus.

He resigned after just one game. 

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (Elsa/Getty Images)

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The Albany Empire are 1-4 this season. Brown also suggested Thursday that NFL quarterback Cam Newton would “be here soon.”

Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown to play for Albany Empire after taking over ownership: report

Antonio Brown last played in an NFL game on Jan. 2, 2022, when he famously walked off the field at MetLife Stadium with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trailing the New York Jets. 

Now, more than a year later, Brown is suiting up again but this time for a different league. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown wipes his face as he leaves the field after throwing his equipment into the stands while his team is on offense during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media via AP)

The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout told WNYT’s Rodger Wyland on Wednesday that he plans to dress for the Albany Empire, the National Arena League team that he owns, in a game on either May 27 or June 17.

ANTONIO BROWN’S ALBANY EMPIRE HIRES PREVIOUSLY OUSTED COACH FOLLOWING SHAKE-UP: ‘WELCOME BACK, COACH MENAS!’

Brown told the outlet the purpose would be to drive ticket sales, which WNYT reports are averaging at around 2,500 a game. 

Brown played nine seasons for the Steelers before being traded to the Raiders in 2019. He was eventually released following a number of issues and was eventually signed by the New England Patriots.

In this Sept. 15, 2019, photo, New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown warms up before a game with Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Patriots released Brown on Sept. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

He played just one game for the Patriots before he was cut following allegations of sexual misconduct. While serving an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, Brown was signed by the Bucs in 2020 and would go on to win his first Super Bowl.

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He signed a one-year contract to return to the Bucs in 2021 but was eventually released in January after walking off the field in a game against the Jets that Tampa Bay would eventually come back to win. 

Browns’ first year as an owner has also been less than smooth. 

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Head coach Tom Menas, who coached the Albany Empire to back-to-back championships, was fired before the start of the season but was eventually brought back this month after his replacement, coach Damon Ware, and several players were suspended following a public dispute over payments and an incident on the team’s bus.

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The Empire is 1-3 this season. Brown told WNYT that he hopes his appearance will fill up MVP Arena with 10,000 fans.

Antonio Brown’s Albany Empire hires previously ousted coach following shakeup: ‘Welcome Back, Coach Menas!’

The Albany Empire, an arena football team owned by former NFL wideout Antonio Brown, has found a new coach amid a turbulent week that saw former head coach Damon Ware and several other players suspended following a public dispute over payments and an incident on the team’s bus. 

The team announced on Twitter Wednesday that Tom Menas, who led Albany to back-to-back championships before being fired just before the start of the season, was back with the team after just three games.

Antonio Brown attends a party at Vision Lounge March 4, 2022, in Atlanta. (Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“The Albany Empire is committed to its community. We thank YOU, our fans for believing in the essence of the Empire Team and the ‘Albany Way,’” the announcement on Twitter said. “Welcome Back, Coach Menas!” 

ANTONIO BROWN’S ARENA FOOTBALL TEAM IN TURMOIL THREE GAMES INTO THE SEASON: REPORTS

The announcement follows reports that Ware, who served as offensive coordinator before taking over for Menas, was suspended along with eight players on the team after claiming they had not been paid ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Cobras. 

According to the Times Union, there was also an incident on the bus ride home that resulted in kicker Michael Hall filing a police report.

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Menas was reintroduced as head coach at a press conference Wednesday, and he acknowledged the difficult road ahead. 

“It’s an impossible task,” he said, via the Times Union. “So, what you do is you put great effort into it, and you say a lot of prayers. And you rely on a lot of relationships and a lot of people who have throughout the years said they want to play for you, and you call in your markers.”

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (Elsa/Getty Images)

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Menas will have to quickly assemble a roster ahead of Saturday’s game against the West Texas Warbirds. 

He said suspended players, who were also released, can return if they choose and even requested that Ware stay on as offensive coordinator. But, according to the report, Ware accepted a position with the Orlando Predators. 

“We’ve lost some players, players have gone on. Welcome to pro football everybody. That’s what happens,” Menas said. “You know these players because I brought those players to you. I will bring the next group to you as well.”

Antonio Brown ushered off arena football field by security despite ownership: ‘This my field, I’m the owner’

Just one day after former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown claimed that he was the sole owner of the Albany Empire, the National Arena League owner was ushered off the field by security during the team’s season opening game on Sunday. 

The ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout shared a video to social media over the weekend showing the interaction where a security guard repeatedly told Brown and the person filming him to “get off the field right now.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown during the Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Eric Hartline-USA Today Sports)

“Still I maintained a level of professionalism [and] positivity while dealing with this security today,” Brown wrote on Twitter.  “First Game AS AN Owner #StayEncouraged”

ANTONIO BROWN RETURNS TO FOOTBALL AS PART OWNER OF ARENA LEAGUE FRANCHISE

The video shows Brown greeting fans near the end zone when a security guard can be heard ushering the person filming to exit the playing area.  

“You need to get off the field right now,” the man says, to which the person filming responds: “He owns it.” 

Seemingly unaware that Brown was in fact named last month as part owner of the National Arena League franchise, the security person disputed the claim and continued to usher them off the field. 

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That’s when Brown became involved. 

“We ain’t going nowhere.” 

Rapper and former NFL player Antonio Brown performs during the Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 4, 2023, in Inglewood, California. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

The exchange continued for some time with Brown later adding: “This my field, I’m the owner.” 

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Brown was introduced last month as part owner of the Albany Empire, but he told Times Union on Saturday that he was the sole owner. 

“I’m the owner, 100 percent owner. I don’t take that lightly,” Brown told the outlet. “My job as the owner (is) to provide the players and community, the front office, everyone that experience, the experience of Albany, and I’m excited about that role.”

Antonio Brown attends a Party at Vision Lounge on March 4, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Prince Williams/Wireimage)

But co-owner Mike Kwarta disputed any changes in ownership, telling the outlet that both he and Brown each own 47.5% of the team with a minority group owning 5%. 

Albany defeated the Orlando Predators 70-33.

Antonio Brown threatens to ‘expose’ music producer, reveals messages

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Antonio Brown over the weekend threatened to “expose” music producer Cydney Christine if she didn’t return the $5,000 she allegedly owed him.

Brown posted a photo of himself on his Instagram Stories with Christine in bed together. Brown wrote “stop playing wit (sic) me.” He also claimed she was “playing victim” in their dispute.

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Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown arrives courtside during the Memphis Grizzlies-Brooklyn Nets game on Jan. 3, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The NFL free-agent wide receiver also posted a string of text messages from Christine.

“Please don’t do that to me. I’m really sorry,” she replied to Brown. “I just didn’t like the way you were talking to me. This isn’t gonna help anything. What can I do to fix it?”

Cydney Christine arrives as Fashion Nova Presents: Party With Cardi at Hollywood Palladium on May 8, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Fashion Nova)

Brown replied, “Send my money b—-. 5k or u be exposed.”

NFL AGREES TO ALTER OVERTIME RULES — FOR THE POSTSEASON ONLY

Christine wrote back asking for Brown’s PayPal information, but the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star accused her of “playing” with him.

According to the New York Post, Christine wrote on her Instagram Stories on Monday: “I can’t control the past. Gotta do better next time.”

Christine, who boats nearly 800,000 followers on Instagram, is a five-time platinum music producer. She has credits on songs such as Drake’s “Money in the Grave,” featuring Rick Ross, and Roddy Rich’s “More Than a Trend,” just to name a few.

Antonio Brown looks on during the Atlanta Hawks-Los Angeles Clippers game at State Farm Arena on March 11, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Brown has been a free agent since the Buccaneers released him following his decision to leave in the middle of a game against the New York Jets.

Saints embarrass Buccaneers on the road, sit on top of NFC South

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints came out swinging against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and put on an onslaught in the first half with 31 points.

It was more than enough for the Saints to pick up their second consecutive win over the Buccaneers this season and vault them into first place in the NFC South.

The Saints scored one more time in the fourth quarter to seal the 38-3 victory.

PEYTON MANNING SURPRISES US AIR FORCE VETERAN WITH HEARTWARMING VIDEO

Brees had a vintage performance against the Buccaneers. He finished 26-for-32 with 222 passing yards and four touchdown passes. Each of his four touchdown passes went to different receivers – Adam Trautman, Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith and Josh Hill each recorded one.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith (10) celebrates with teammates, including wide receiver wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)

Alvin Kamara ran for a touchdown and finished with 40 rushing yards on nine carries.

Tampa Bay just couldn’t get anything going on offense.

Tom Brady was sacked three times and threw three interceptions. He did not have a touchdown pass.

STEELERS HOLD ON AGAINST COWBOYS FOR 8TH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY

The Buccaneers got the ball down to the Saints’ 1-yard line at one point but couldn’t punch the ball through.

Antonio Brown, in his first game since 2019, was virtually nonexistent. He was targeted five times and recorded three catches for 31 yards.

In terms of the larger picture, the Buccaneers losing two games against the Saints has a playoff impact. The Saints would win the tiebreaker between the two teams and if it came down to it would host a playoff game come January.

Brady also went 19 seasons without being swept by a divisional opponent – that mark ended.

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The Saints are now 6-2 and have control of first place in the NFC South. The Buccaneers fall to 6-3.

Antonio Brown’s antics could push Buccaneers away from Super Bowl contention, ex-teammate warns

Antonio Brown is set to play in an NFL game for the first time in over a year Sunday night when he suits up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

With the Brown signing came a ton of drama and scrutiny for the Buccaneers. Brown still is the target of a civil lawsuit amid rape and sexual assault allegations. Additionally, two of the last three teams he was with he forced his way out and left a mess in his wake.

LIONS’ MATTHEW STAFFORD CLEARED FOR VIKINGS MATCHUP; VIRTUALLY PREPARED DURING WEEK-LONG ISOLATION

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier played with Brown from 2014 to 2017 and offered some advice for the Buccaneers ahead of their kickoff Sunday night.

“The biggest thing for me on Antonio is he’s all for attention,” Shazier said on “The Ringer NFL Show” earlier in the week. “He’s super about attention, man, on the field, off the field.”

PREDICT SIX NFL GAME WINNERS FOR CHANCE TO WIN $1 MILLION WITH FOX SUPER 6

Shazier opened up about Brown’s departure from Steelers. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2019. He explained that he was blocked by Brown on social media after wishing him luck. He hoped that he doesn’t do that with the Buccaneers.

“The moment he makes it about himself,” Shazier warned. “Tampa’s not going to go to the Super Bowl.”

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Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has already warned that if there’s any off-field issues with Brown, he’s immediately gone.

Antonio Brown deserves another chance in the NFL, ex-Pro Bowl tight end says

Antonio Brown comes off suspension in less than two weeks, and a former Pro Bowl tight end is hoping the wide receiver can get another chance in the NFL despite his off-field issues.

Vernon Davis, a former tight end who played 14 seasons in the NFL before retiring after the 2019 season, told TMZ Sports on Thursday that Brown deserves another shot.

PETE CARROLL ON SEAHAWKS’ PURSUIT OF ANTONIO BROWN: ‘WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS’

“First of all, he’s a human being. Everyone makes mistakes. I think he’s learned from his experiences in life. The time he’s had off, I think he’s really had a chance to think about that,” Davis said.

The two-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion thinks at least one team should take a gamble on a receiver who was putting up Hall of Fame numbers before forcing his way out of the Raiders’ organization to sign with the New England Patriots only to get cut after being accused of rape and sexual assault.

MARIO HENDERSON, FORMER NFL LINEMAN, DIES AT 35

“I would definitely do the gamble, ’cause everyone deserves a second chance … and maybe even a third chance,” Davis told the gossip site. “But, a second chance for sure, and I think this is a great opportunity for him to showcase who he is as a person.”

Brown was also arrested in Florida and received two years of probation for an incident in January involving a moving truck driver. In addition to two years of probation, Brown was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and follow-up treatment, attend an anger management course, perform 100 hours of community service, and follow a stay-away order from the truck driver and the moving company owner.

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In the midst of the controversy, Brown has announced that he will be retiring twice. He released several rap songs and worked out with several NFL players.

The NFL suspended him over the summer.

The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the only teams to express interest in him.

7 NFL free agents who can impact teams right now

With the start of the NFL season just days away, teams made their final cuts over the weekend in time for the waiver wire deadline.

While most of the veteran players in free agency were picked up the following day, there are still some familiar names hoping to land a spot before Week 1 begins on Sunday.

Check out the top seven NFL free agents who can impact teams right now.

**

1. DEVONTA FREEMAN

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)

Devonta Freeman, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2015 second-team All-Pro, remains a free agent after he was released by the Atlanta Falcons in March.

The 28-year-old running back suffered a number of injuries over the last three seasons, including a knee and groin injuries, that would see him miss a total of 18 games. In 2019 he rushed for 656 yards and finished with two rushing touchdowns.

If he can stay healthy, Freeman would be a reliable addition to any roster.

2020 NFL SEASON: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF KICKOFF

**

2. EARL THOMAS

Earl Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the New England Patriots during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 3, 2019, in Baltimore, Md. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Earl Thomas has had a turbulent offseason.

A star safety with the Seattle Seahawks, Thomas was selected for seven Pro Bowls and was selected first-team All-Pro three times in his 10 seasons with the organization, but his time in Seattle concluded in 2018 with contract fallout and eventually a season-ending leg injury.

Thomas was eventually signed by the Baltimore Ravens in March 2019 where he finished the season with two picks, two sacks and 49 tackles in 15 starts.

The veteran safety found himself in trouble off the field during the offseason and was ultimately released by the Ravens last month after he punched teammate Chuck Clark during training camp.

**

3. ANTONIO BROWN

In this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown carries the ball during the first half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Antonio Brown has made it clear – he wants to play football again.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has not played in the league since September 2019. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Oakland Raiders in the offseason. He did not play any regular-season games for the Raiders and was released following a turbulent offseason.

He was then picked up by the New England Patriots but played only one game before he was released after 11 days in the wake of sexual assault allegations.

Brown performed in his only appearance with the Patriots, showing his capabilities as a wide receiver, but after he was recently suspended for eight games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, any team interested in him will have to wait it out.

NFL WEEK 1 PREVIEW: CHIEFS AND TEXANS KICK THINGS OFF TO START THE SEASON

**

4. ERIC REID 

The Carolina Panthers’ Eric Reid (25) takes the field before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

Veteran safety Eric Reid was surprisingly released by the Carolina Panthers in March following a difficult season that saw the Panthers go 5-11.

While the team struggled all around (eventually leading to a change in coaching), Reid himself performed well in 2019 when he finished with a career high of 130 tackles and four sacks.

With new cuts just announced, Reid could get picked up any day.

**

5. CLAY MATTHEWS III

The Green Bay Packers’ Clay Matthews reacts during the first half of the NFC championship game in Seattle.

Super Bowl Champion and six-time Pro Bowler Clay Matthews remains a free agent months after he was released by the Los Angeles Rams.

Matthews made a name for himself during his 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers but in his first season with the Rams he only registered eight sacks and two fumbles before suffering a broken jaw in Week 5 that ended the season for him.

While not playing to the caliber that he once did in 2015, Matthews is a well-seasoned outside linebacker who could do well in a limited role.

**

6. MOHAMED SANU

Mohamed Sanu of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sep. 29, 2019, in Atlanta. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was released by the Patriots over the weekend after less than one season.

Sanu played a pivotal role in the Falcons 2016 Super Bowl run but was unable to reach those same numbers in New England. He finished the season with 26 receptions, 207 receiving yards and just one touchdown.

Sanu’s last-minute cut could mean he gets signed soon but it certainly won’t be for a high price tag.

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**

7. COLIN KAEPERNICK

In this Jan. 1, 2017, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

It’s unlikely that any team is still shopping for quarterbacks, but if a spot were to open, Colin Kaepernick would be the best option.

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback has not played in the league since 2016 when he first took a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and social injustice.

Kaepernick and his supporters have long said he was blackballed because of this, but in November 2019 he was given a workout to showcase his abilities. In late June, reports indicated that several teams had expressed interest in him but nothing ever came of it.

A second-round pick, Kaepernick recorded 2,241 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes in 12 games in his final season with the Niners. He only threw four interceptions.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown hires new agent: report

Antonio Brown has had his share of legal issues, but the star wide receiver is still looking for an opportunity to play in the NFL next season.

Brown, who is currently awaiting disciplinary action from the league, has hired agent Ed Wasielewski of EMG Sports, according to ESPN. He used to be represented by Drew Rosenhaus, but the long-time NFL agent ended his relationship with Brown in January.

Rosenhaus stated in a letter that he was willing to resume work with Brown again in the future if he sought counseling. Brown is still likely to be suspended, but the NFL has dragged his investigation out, which is making it more difficult for him to find a new team.

ANTONIO BROWN FORMALLY CHARGED IN ASSAULT OF DRIVER OUTSIDE FLORIDA HOME: REPORT

Brown is facing felony burglary conveyance, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal mischief charges for a Jan. 21 incident where he and his trainer allegedly assaulted a truck driver outside his Hollywood, Fla., home over a money dispute, ESPN reported, citing Broward County court documents from Mar. 20.

BUCCANEERS COACH BRUCE ARIANS ON POSSIBLY SIGNING ANTONIO BROWN: ‘IT’S NOT GONNA HAPPEN’

Brown has not played in the league since September. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Oakland Raiders in the off-season. He did not play any regular-season games for the Raiders and was released following a turbulent offseason.

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He was then picked up by the New England Patriots but played only one game before he was released after 11 days in the wake of the sexual assault allegations.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report