Brown accused of destroying security camera, Bucs stand behind signing
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown is accused of destroying a surveillance camera on Oct. 15 in the gated Florida community where he resides, according to a police report obtained by David Ovalle of the Miami Herald.
Hollywood Police had probable cause to charge Brown with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor charge, but the president of the homeowners association didn't press charges in fear he "may retaliate against her employees."
The police report states the 32-year-old also berated a security guard for failing to allow his guest through. Brown had gate restrictions and was required to be at the gate to escort any guest inside the premises.
The Florida native then proceeded to throw his bicycle at the gate arm and tear fliers with COVID-19 guidelines off the wall.
The homeowners association president now also states she believes the incidents were too minor to press charges.
The incident took place two weeks before Brown signed with the Buccaneers and the team stood by the player in a statement released Monday.
"We are aware of the reported incident involving Antonio Brown prior to his signing. When Antonio joined us, we were clear about what we expected and required of him. Thus far, he has met all the expectations we have in place," read the statement.
In a statement released through a spokeswoman, Brown said he "regrets that he lost his cool that day and he has made amends with the HOA." He has also agreed to pay for the damages to the camera.
The NFL is aware of the matter but is not commenting on it, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
The Bucs added Brown on a one-year deal once he was cleared of his eight-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Brown is currently on probation after being arrested in January for a separate incident with a moving truck driver. The NFL veteran is also awaiting a civil trial after being met with a lawsuit in 2019 for a series of alleged sexual assaults.