AFC Notes: Antonio Brown, Colts, Texans

Antonio Brown

• According to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Robert Klemko, Patriots WR Antonio Brown was accused of a second incident of sexual misconduct by a woman who elected to remain anonymous. 
• The woman was an artist for a nonprofit who Brown commissioned to do a painting of himself at his house. While she was working, Brown allegedly came on to her: “I’m on my knees painting the bottom, and he walks up to me butt-ass naked, with a hand cloth covering his [penis] and starts having a conversation with me….Unfortunately, I’ve been tried [by men] a lot of times, so I just kept my cool and kept painting.”
• Klemko detailed a number of other incidents where police were dispatched to Brown’s home for domestic disturbances, though no arrests were made. He also described a number of different civil suits against Brown where the receiver allegedly withheld payments for goods and services he had agreed for in deals. 
• Brown’s lawyer released the following statement: “Antonio Brown has reviewed the sexual misconduct allegations made by an unnamed artist included in a recently published Sports Illustrated article and denies that he ever engaged in such activities. There will be no further comment at this time.”

Colts

Colts K Adam Vinatieri continued his slump to start the 2019 season. After leaving seven points on the board last week against the Chargers, Vinatieri missed two more extra points Sunday against the Titans. The 46-year-old kicker has been one of the NFL’s best kickers since entering the league in 1999, but this recent stretch has potentially put the end in sight.

“Of course it’s a concern, I can’t lie to you,” Colt owner Jim Irsay said via the Athletic’s Zak Keefer. “Everyone would tell you it’s a concern – Adam, coach, Chris (Ballard). Yeah, it’s a concern. It’s professional football. We all have to produce. The expectation is to win if you’re a professional. So we have to figure out where we’re at and see what Coach and Chris think is the best direction. And I know Adam will be the most self-honest person of all.”

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the bone bruise Colts CB Pierre Desir was diagnosed with in his knee shouldn’t keep him out long. 
• Colts LB Darius Leonard is in the concussion protocol after developing symptoms following Sunday’s game. (Kevin Bowen)
• Colts HC Frank Reich committed to Vinatieri Monday afternoon in his press conference: “Adam’s our kicker. He’s not only our kicker, he’s an instrumental leader on our team.” (Keefer)
• Reich said if the team brought in other kickers to work out, that would be a decision made by GM Chris Ballard. (Joel Erickson)
• Colts QB Chad Kelly is eligible to come off the suspended list following his two-game ban and Reich says the team will have a move related to him in the coming days. (George Bremer)

Texans

New Texans LT Laremy Tunsil was traded to Houston for one of the biggest hauls of draft picks ever for a player in NFL history. He filled a massive need for a left tackle for the Texans and so far the team has been satisfied with what he’s brought. 

“Laremy is a great player, he learns very well,” Texans HC Bill O’Brien said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “There’s a lot of carryover from Miami for him here. I think it’s just a matter of getting used to who he’s playing next to and the tempo we play with and all those things. Laremy has been a great addition to our football team.”

• Tunsil left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. However, he says he’s “good” and “it’s part of football.” (Wilson)