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NY Post
New York Post
3 May 2023


NextImg:Antonio Brown locked players, coaches out of hotel room in latest arena league accusations

Antonio Brown’s ownership in the National Arena League is already a complete disaster.

The former All-Pro receiver — who owns the Albany Empire football team in the NAL — has been accused of making violent threats toward the ex-head coach and locking players out of their hotel rooms.

Damon Ware — the team’s former head coach, who reportedly confirmed his exit on social media — told TMZ that it was a “hostile takeover” when Brown purchased a minority share of the team in March, allegedly pushing other owners out by throwing money their way.

Last month, Brown took full ownership (95 percent) of the team, along with his father, Eddie Brown, who played for the Albany Firebirds — a former NAL football team in the New York state capital.

Ware and former Albany Empire quarterback Sam Castronova, who is no longer with the team, told the outlet that the team and staff were not paid (via direct deposit) for the past two contests in April.

Ware claimed his conversations with Brown over missed compensation ended in the former pro texting him violent threats.

“It became all about him, not the football team,” Ware said, adding that Brown’s ego got in the way of the team and players’ growth.

“We built a wonderful organization over three years — he came in and killed it.”

Players reportedly contemplated sitting out, but decided to suit up for Sunday’s game in North Carolina after they were shown what appeared to be a payment confirmation.

However, Castronova told the outlet that players were still without their check following Sunday’s game — and several captains decided to confront team officials on their bus ride back from North Carolina.

When the team arrived back at their hotel, Ware, the captains, and several other players discovered their room keys no longer worked, and claimed hotel staffers told them it was Brown’s doing.

TMZ obtained a photo that showed a list of names, including Ware and Castronova, that read in bold underlined text: “Players to not be given room keys per Antonio Brown Group.”

Rapper/former NFL player Antonio Brown performs in the crowd during day 2 of Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 4, 2023 in Inglewood, California.
Getty Images

Those who were on the list had to “fight like hell” to get their belongings out of their rooms while dealing with housekeeping, according to the outlet.

Ware, Castronova and several other key players said they are fed up with the team and are looking forward to restarting their careers elsewhere.

“It’s a happy day for me to be out of this crazy situation,” Ware said. “Goodbye, good riddance.”

Ware added that the team has followed up with one missed payment so far.

The Albany Empire National Arena League football team with former head coach Damon Ware in Oct. 2021.

The Albany Empire National Arena League football team with former head coach Damon Ware in Oct. 2021.
Instagram/Damon Ware

Tom Menas, who previously coached the Empire to two championships, will return to his former position of head coach after initially being fired days before the season, according to TMZ.

Brown reportedly tweeted about the coaching move and deleted it.

The latest saga involving Brown and the team came a day after the news broke initially that players were not paid — and there was a separate incident on the team bus that resulted in multiple suspensions.

According to the Albany Times-Union, Ware said on social media that players and coaches have not been paid since April 21.

lbany Empire quarterback Tommy Grady (4) with teammates before an Arena Football game between the Washington Valor and the Albany Empire on May 11, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.

lbany Empire quarterback Tommy Grady (4) with teammates before an Arena Football game between the Washington Valor and the Albany Empire on May 11, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Acting team president Alberony Denis said the lack of payment was due to a payroll issue that resulted from former owner Mike Kwarta transferring ownership to Brown, as well as much of the front office leaving in the process.

Separately, a number of star players were suspended after an incident on the team bus following the game in Greensboro, N.C., including: Castronova, wide receiver Darius Prince (the league MVP last year), defensive lineman Brandon Sesay and defensive captains Nick Haag and Melvin Hollins.

The players mentioned were also included on the list of names obtained by TMZ in the hotel situation.

The Albany police responded to a report of aggravated harassment at the team’s hotel at around 9:40 a.m., according to the Albany Times-Union.

It is unclear exactly what occurred, and police said they could not identify the victim or others involved because the investigation is ongoing.

The Albany Empire are 1-2 thus far this season.

In another incident at the team’s home opener last month, Brown was told to “get off the field right now” by security as he signed autographs for fans.

“This is my field. I’m the owner,” Brown responded at the time.

Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) a game against the New York Jets on January 2, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) a game against the New York Jets on January 2, 2022 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Brown has made headlines for a number of accusations including sexual assault, domestic violence, failing to make child support payments and assaulting a moving truck driver.

In 2021, the former Super Bowl champion settled a rape case with his former trainer.

Brown has been a free agent since January 2022, when he was released by the Buccaneers after his unceremonious shirtless exit during a Jets game at MetLife Stadium.