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The Albany Empire, a football crew in the National Arena League this is owned through debatable former NFL celebrity Antonio Brown, has descended into chaos after gamers were not paid and a next incident at the group bus ended in misdemeanor charges.
Empire head trainer Damon Ware confirmed on social media that gamers and coaches have now not been paid since April 21 (perhaps not coincidentally, across the point Brown took full ownership), and said he has left the staff.
No one gained direct deposits ahead of the workforce’s sport against the Carolina Cobras over the weekend, and the group played the sport without pay, an anonymous participant instructed the Albany Times-Union.
Acting workforce president Alberony Denis mentioned the loss of payment stemmed from a payroll factor that resulted from former owner Mike Kwarta moving possession to Brown — and much of the entrance place of work leaving in the method.
Players have been instructed they’d be paid this week, however the problem coincided with various the team’s superstar gamers being suspended after an incident at the staff bus following the sport in Greensboro, N.C.
Quarterback Sam Castronova, vast receiver Darius Prince (the league MVP ultimate yr), defensive lineman Brandon Sesay and defensive captains Nick Haag and Melvin Hollins had been the gamers that were suspended after Albany police had been called to the crew lodge following the bus incident.
It is unclear precisely what took place and the victim was not recognized since the investigation is still ongoing, though police have been referred to as on suspicion of annoyed harassment.
The Albany Empire are 1-2 so far this season.
Brown, who bought a minority share of the group in March, took complete possession of the group in April, together with his father, Eddie Brown, who played for the Albany Firebirds — a former arena football workforce in the New York state capital.
Brown showed up at the group’s season opener last month and was told to “get off the sector presently” via safety, as he signed autographs for enthusiasts.
“This is my box. I’m the owner,” Brown replied.
So a long way, issues are going about in addition to any person expected for an Antonio Brown-led football crew.
The former NFL megastar has been accused of a wide variety of offenses, including but not limited to: sexual attack (he settled a rape case with his former trainer in 2021), home violence, failing to make child fortify payments and assaulting a transferring truck driver.
He has been in and out of the NFL during the last a number of years, and famously walked off the field while a member of the Buccaneers all through a game towards the Jets on Jan. 2, 2022.
Tampa Bay reduce him that very same day and he has no longer performed in the NFL since.
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