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Nike Has Cut Ties With Antonio Brown Following Rape Allegations

The New England Patriot was accused of sexually assaulting his personal trainer.

Nike has parted ways with NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown after he was accused of sexually assaulting his former personal trainer, Britney Taylor

On Thursday, a spokesperson for the sports apparel brand told NBC News that “Brown is not a Nike athlete.” When asked why the Miami, Florida native was released, the spokesperson simply replied, "We don’t get into specifics of sports marketing relationships."

The 31-year-old’s endorsement deal with Nike included a Nike Tech Trainer named after him in February. The shoe, priced at $100, included a colorful floral pattern atop a black and gold base with a rubber outsole for grip. 

A search for the shoe on Nike.com stated it’s no longer available for purchase, and searching his name on the Nike’s website results in zero products, including his jerseys. 

But Nike isn’t the only endorsement Brown has lost amidst allegations. 

Three days after Taylor’s accusations, Xenith, a football helmet manufacturer, announced how they cut ties with Brown, who was hired to wear the Xenith Shadow helmet this season. Brown began wearing the Xenith Shadow helmet in 2019 after his previous helmet, the Schutt Air Advantage, was not certified for play by the NFL.

Brown first made headlines when Memphis native Britney Taylor accused him of sexually assaulting her on separate occasions in 2017 in Miami and Pennsylvania, in addition to an alleged rape in 2018. The former gymnast filed a civil lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on September 10.  

According to court documents, the seven time Pro Bowler and Taylor met while students at Central Michigan when they were paired as bible study partners. 

Heavy.com reports the two reconnected in June 2017 after he "indicated he wanted Ms. Taylor's help improving flexibility and strength in his ankles and fast twitch muscles – areas in which she had developed expertise through gymnastics.”   

Taylor, who now owns a Tennessee gym training young gymnasts, is seeking punitive damages and compensation for all non-monetary and compensatory harm, in an amount to be determined at trial. The 28-year-old met with the NFL on Monday as the league has launched an investigation.

Darren Heitner, Brown’s lawyer, denied the allegations in a statement on Tuesday night, vowing to do everything he can to clear his name.

Brown continues to be an active player on the New England Patriots, which are currently undefeated this season, who will face the New York Jets on Sunday.

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