Tampa police issue arrest warrant for former Buccaneer Antonio Brown for domestic battery
TAMPA, Fla. - Antonio Brown, who made a dramatic exit earlier this year from the Buccaneers mid-game, has been accused of domestic violence involving his ex-fiancée in Tampa.
On Thursday afternoon, Tampa police tried to serve an arrest warrant for domestic violence on the former Buccaneer at his South Tampa home, but he refused to come out.
According to FOX 13 reporter Aaron Mesmer, police left the home without Brown, who is believed to still be inside the residence. A legal expert explained it's not uncommon for police to leave after trying to issue a warrant if they don't want to escalate things, can't physically see him in the home or are negotiating a surrender behind the scenes.
Tampa police confirmed an arrest warrant was issued for the 34-year-old following an incident that occurred Monday at a South Tampa home. The argument between Brown and the woman turned physical after he threw a shoe at her, detectives said.
On Monday, police were called to the home. Court records do not provide an address, but it's where Brown's ex-fiancée resides with the couple's four children and one of Brown's unrelated teenage sons.
"The suspect exited the residence and threw a shoe at the victim striking her in the ponytail," the police report stated. "The victim had no injuries but believed the shoe was meant for her head. The suspect would not open the door or come outside to speak with officers. The suspect also during this incident attempted to issue an informal eviction to the victim."
The narrative written by an officer went on to say that the victim's belongings were thrown out into the street, but by the time law enforcement arrived, she had gathered them all and put them in the driveway. The victim also noted that Brown has two guns inside the house.
Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
During the ordeal, police said Brown locked himself in the house while officers tried to speak to him. Investigators said Brown threatened to shoot her if she tried to enter the house.
"The suspect placed an informal eviction notice on the door … with 11/28/2022 at the date showing the victim has 7 days to gather her belongings and leave," the police report said in part. "The suspect continued throughout the incident to state that the victim had no right to be at that residence or to even gain entry to it because she did not live there. The victim's ID has the listed address as her residence as of 10/18/2022."
The officers said after "many failed attempts" to convince Brown to allow her to gather her belongings, they advised the victim to spend the night elsewhere. According to police, the children were told they could go back inside the house, but they were afraid to.
The next day, Tampa police filed a risk protection order against Brown, which can be issued if a person poses a significant risk to themselves or others and has access to a gun. A judge denied the request.
PREVIOUS: Arians says Antonio Brown 'no longer a Buc' after dramatic exit during game against Jets
Earlier this year, Brown, a free agent, was kicked off the Buccaneers team after leaving the field shirtless as Tampa Bay faced the New York Jets. The Bucs won 28-24. After the game, then-coach Bruce Arians said Brown was no longer with the team.
Brown’s mid-game meltdown came late in the third quarter with Tampa Bay trailing 24-10. He appeared animated while talking to teammate Mike Evans when he stripped off his pads, jersey, gloves and T-shirt — tossing the gloves and T-shirt into the stands — and then walked bare-chested down the sideline and into the end zone. He then waved to fans as jogged through the end zone and into the tunnel at MetLife Stadium.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against Bryce Hall #37 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on January 02, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Buccaneers
In just the previous month, Brown was suspended for three games for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols. He also has a history of personal conduct issues and bizarre behavior.
In the days after, he released texts from then-head coach Bruce Arains and Tom Brady’s longtime trainer Alex Guerrero suggesting he was dealing with an injury leading up to the game that prompted his decision to walk off the field mid-game.
Brown has also been outspoken about Brady amid his split from ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, trolling him with photos of him and Bündchen hugging on the field following the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory.
Brown also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.