© Phillip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
The Antonio Brown sweepstakes just took another potentially odd turn.
According to TMZ Sports, Brown was involved in a domestic dispute in January, though he was not arrested. The report states a woman called the Hollywood Police Department and “made a report alleging misconduct by Brown.”
This comes after another TMZ report that states Brown threw furniture off the balcony of his 14th-story apartment back in April. A man claimed Brown’s furniture — including “two very large vases, a heavy ottoman and other pieces of furniture” — nearly hit a 22-month-old toddler. Brown, who has claimed innocence, has reportedly been sued for the incident.
Whew.
All of this applies to the 49ers and other prospective teams because Brown has made it clear he wants out of Pittsburgh, despite being under contract through the 2021 season. Brown grew so unhappy with the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that the seven-time Pro Bowl receiver sat out the season finale in late December.
Weeks after that decision, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said it would be “hard to envision” Brown playing for the Steelers next year, despite his contractual obligations. Brown has since befriended several 49ers players, cyber-flirting with tight end George Kittle and recently hanging out with free safety Adrian Colbert. Brown has also posted a series of Instagram photos depicting conversations he has had with Jerry Rice, who has said Brown wants to join the 49ers. Terrell Owens has said Brown has continually asked him about the Bay Area.
All of this has led to serious hope among the 49ers fanbase that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan would pursue Brown. But there have been no reports that the 49ers have done so, and the Steelers’ asking price for the future Hall-of-Famer is currently unknown. Trades can’t go through until the new league year begins March 13, anyway.
Brown’s reported domestic dispute adds another wrinkle.