The New England Patriots released Antonio Brown last week and now they have declined to pay the first installment of his signing bonus which was due Monday, per a league source of Pro Football Talk.
This was a widely expected move that will probably move to the courts if Brown files a grievance trying to get the Patriots to pay the bonus.
He did not commit a “forfeitable breach” under the terms of the labor deal. Thus, the Patriots will have to fashion an argument based on, for example, Brown withholding information as to the threatened sexual assault and rape litigation from the team. The Patriots would argue that they wouldn’t have signed Brown if they’d known about the potential lawsuit, especially since it can (and did) spark an NFL investigation that could result in Brown being placed on paid leave.
Even if the Patriots don't think they will win if Brown does file a grievance, it does make sense for the Patriots to not pay it and let it play out in the courts.
Even if Brown wins the case, the Patriots aren't going to have to pay him any extra fees and the only cost they will have is what they pay their lawyers to fight the case. If they win they will get to keep the $9 million and that's what Robert Kraft needs, more money.
The only real downside for the Patriots is while this plays out it will continue to play out in the media and that means Brown's name will be connected to their team.
