Antonio Brown, the former NFL star and one-time owner of the Albany Empire, has filed for bankruptcy, citing nearly $3 million in debts to multiple creditors. The news comes as a stark contrast to his once illustrious career, which saw him earn over $88 million as a player.
Brown, who briefly owned the Albany Empire Arena Football League franchise, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Florida. This type of bankruptcy allows individuals and businesses to reorganize their finances while being protected from creditors. Brown's filing reveals that he owes money to at least eight creditors, including a Florida truck driver who was reportedly assaulted by Brown and was awarded $1.2 million after Brown failed to appear in court for a lawsuit the truck driver filed against him.
Among the creditors listed in the bankruptcy filing are a marketing firm, a law firm, and a credit card company. Brown also owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in credit card debt and $296 to a South Florida plumber. His own media company, CTESPN Network, confirmed the bankruptcy filing via social media earlier this week.
Despite his financial woes, Brown's media company remains optimistic about his future. "NFL legend Antonio Brown has filed for bankruptcy today," the post read. "He will be a first ballot Hall of Famer in 2027. He will be releasing new music this summer. He is also the founder of the most trusted source in all of sports. The generational run continues."
Brown's turbulent ownership of the Albany Empire ended abruptly after the team was expelled from the National Arena League due to non-payment of dues and fees. The team's players and coach had previously threatened to sue Brown after discovering their paychecks were pulled out of bank accounts.
The bankruptcy filing does not address a complex series of trusts and organizations connected to Brown in the name of Antonio El-Allah, a supposed trustee. The filing also lists an 18,000-square-foot mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as Brown's address.
Brown, who was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, had a successful career as a seven-time Pro-Bowler and won a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. However, he has not been back on the field since 2022, when he famously took off his shirt and left in the middle of a game against the New York Jets.
Despite his past earnings, Brown now claims to have less than $50,000 in assets. His bankruptcy lawyer could not be reached for immediate comment.
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