AB has altercation with security in first game as owner

Antonio Brown Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Brown involved in altercation with security during first game as Albany Empire co-owner

By Colum Dell | Last updated 4/19/23

Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown's first game as co-owner of the National Arena League's Albany Empire drew controversy following an altercation with a security guard.

During halftime of Albany's 70-33 win against the Orlando Predators this past weekend, Brown stepped onto the field to sign autographs for fans before being confronted by security. The staff member repeatedly told Brown and his cameraman to leave the field, who was unaware that the Super Bowl LV champion owned the team.

After the guard refused to believe the cameraman's explanation that Brown was an owner, the 34-year-old former wideout stepped in. Brown asserted that he and his associate "ain't going nowhere," adding that security needed to "go get some bigger muscles."

The two exchanged words for several minutes, during which the staffer informed Brown that he was "going off the field right now."

In response, Brown replied, "Make me then."

On Twitter, Brown posted a video of the altercation.

Still I maintained a level of professionalism positivity while dealing with this security today ! First Game AS AN Owner #StayEncouraged pic.twitter.com/eU724PbHR6
— AB (@AB84) April 18, 2023

Last month, Brown became a part owner of Albany, though over the weekend he told the Times Union he's the sole owner of the franchise. However, co-owner Mike Kwarta disputed the claim, insisting that he and Brown each own 47.5% of the team, with Steve and Charlotte von Schiller holding the remaining 5% stake.

MVP Arena GM Bob Belber spoke with TMZ Sports regarding the incident on Tuesday. Belber said Brown needed to exit the field for his safety because the team was preparing to lower its 2022 championship banner. Additionally, Belber revealed that aside from Brown being unwilling to cooperate, he attempted to bring children from the stands onto the field.

Belber told TMZ Sports that he expects Brown and the stadium's personnel will meet this week to come to a resolution that will prevent a recurrence of the situation.

"I think we'll get through this," said Belber. "The parties will come together, and I'm sure this won't be repeated."

The Empire (1-0) will face the San Antonio Gunslingers (2-0) at MVP Arena on Saturday. Although Belber confirmed Brown would not face a ban from the venue, there's no word whether he plans to attend the game.

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