The New England Patriots signed wide receiver Antonio Brown before knowing of his sexual assault and rape allegations case. But had they known, they wouldn't have gone through with signing him.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team would've taken a hard pass on the receiver, which has been confirmed by Pro Football Talk. 

If the Patriots did pass on signing Brown due to their knowledge of his situation, it's fair to wonder if he'd be playing on Sunday for another team. A franchise would likely have to do their homework on the situation. However, with it being so new, and a civil case, there is a lot of layers to the allegations.

Brown received a lawsuit claimed he raped his former trainer, Britney Taylor, three times from 2017 to 2018. In a statement posted by Brown's lawyer, Darren Heitner, the wide receiver denied all allegations and would do whatever possible to clear his name.

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) walks to the podium to speak to the media after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Josh Allen sends Patriots’ Drake Maye an inspiring Stefon Diggs messageBenedetto Vitale ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) makes a catch during minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ Kyle Williams shows rookie swagger, ready to prove himselfJosh Davis ·
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before the preseason game at Nissan Stadium.
Tom Brady’s endorsement of Mike Vrabel will inspire confidenceScotty White ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to defensive end Keion White (99) and linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (44) after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ stud signing bringing ‘physicality’ to Mike VrabelLorenzo J Reyna ·

Said the statement:

“Mr. Brown denies each and every allegation in the lawsuit. He will pursue all legal remedies to not only clear his name, but to also protect other professional athletes against false accusations.”

The NFL has begun looking into the situation. However, the league has to place him on the Commissioner's Exempt List, thereby making him eligible to play against the Miami Dolphins, which he'll do.

The Brown saga is far from over. Nonetheless, after switching between teams and bailing on the one who paid him, the wide receiver will finally play football on Sunday.