Sounds like Antonio Brown may be getting some of his guaranteed money after all.
There are reports that the Patriots have no interest in paying Brown, citing the multiple sexual assault allegations levied against the embattled wide receiver.
What makes things tricky for New England, however, is that the team kept him on after learning of the allegations and even had him suit up in a Week 2 contest against the Dolphins, before releasing him just five days later.
A source with intimate knowledge of AB's contract and the NFL's CBA told Yahoo Sports that the Patriots backed themselves into a corner by not immediately severing ties with Brown.
"[New England] fighting to keep that signing bonus now is either a gross misunderstanding of [the CBA's] rules on voiding signing bonuses or it's just out of spite," the source told Yahoo's Charles Robinson. "I can't believe they don't understand the signing bonus voids in the CBA. There's just no way. This is just spitefulness. They're fighting [Brown] completely out of the anger and embarrassment in ownership."
Robinson also outlines the contract language the Patriots are attempting to use in avoiding the payment of Brown. As AB did not refuse to report, voluntarily retire, become incarcerated, or sustain a significant non-football injury, the Patriots have no recourse legally to avoid cutting AB his check.
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While Brown will likely fight the Patriots in arbitration regarding the money in question, the Oakland Raiders have a much more plausible case for denying Brown the $29.125 million he was guaranteed after being acquired in March.
AB had several instances of refusing to report, which is what brought upon his hefty fines and subsequent altercation with general manager Mike Mayock.
[RELATED: AB goes off on Sports Illustrated, Weddle in Twitter tirade]
It remains to be seen if Brown will file grievances against both of his brief employers, but there's no doubt that AB feels he is entitled to his "guaranteed" money.
It's looking increasingly likely that he will get at least some of it, though not without a fight.
