According to a Miami Herald report published on Monday, Tampa Bay’s newest receiver Antonio Brown was involved in an incident at his gated community in Hollywood, Florida last month where Brown “angrily” destroyed a security camera and threw a bicycle at a security-guard shack.
NEW: Before signing w/ Tampa, Antonio Brown was accused of angrily destroying a surveillance camera at S. Florida gated community, throwing bike at a security-guard shack. He wasn't charged because HOA president "feared" retaliation, per police report https://t.co/uqvOd2XnpQ
— David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) November 16, 2020
Per details given in The Herald’s report, the incident occurred on Oct. 15 and the Hollywood Police Department “exceptionally cleared” the case on Nov. 5. Police initially determined that there was probable cause to charge Brown with misdemeanor criminal mischief, however no charges were filed and Brown agreed to replace the broken camera.
Still, complications from the matter could arise as it relates to Brown’s probation and his adherence to the NFL’s personal conduct policy. According to Miami Herald Crime and Justice reporter David Ovalle, who broke the story, Brown could possibly have violated probation with the Broward State Attorney’s office.
While Brown was not arrested on the allegation of criminal mischief, the incident could possibly violate the terms of his probation. The Broward State Attorney's office said Monday it hadn't been told about the camera-breaking incident by police
— David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) November 16, 2020
There’s also the issue of what the NFL was aware of in regards to Brown’s conduct off the field, as ESPN’s Jenna Laine pointed out shortly after news of the star receiver’s latest incident broke. Brown is fresh off an eight-week suspension to begin the 2020 NFL season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Source tells me that the league office was not aware of the alleged incident involving Antonio Brown and the surveillance camera and the security guard prior to his signing with the Bucs and reinstatement.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) November 16, 2020
The Bucs released a statement on Brown, which sounds like they were aware of the situation before signing Brown, who flew to Tampa Bay eight days after the alleged incident.
Bucs Statement Regarding Antonio Brown:
“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.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 16, 2020
The Bucs officially signed Brown on October 27, with head coach Bruce Arians citing the fact that he thought the former Steelers, Raiders and Patriots wide receiver had “matured”. Brown has 10 catches for 100 yards and zero touchdowns in two games with the Bucs.
Read the full report with more details on the incident from the Miami Herald here.
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