Antonio Brown’s Albany Empire Kicked Out of the Arena League
Antonio Brown’s ownership of the Albany Empire has been plagued by scandal and financial turmoil, ultimately leading to the team’s expulsion from the National Arena League (NAL).
Antonio Brown’s ownership of the Albany Empire has been plagued by scandal and financial turmoil, ultimately leading to the team’s expulsion from the National Arena League (NAL).
Following an emergency conference call involving members in good standing, it was decided that the Empire’s failure to fulfill their league-mandated and overdue assessments necessitated their removal.
As per league regulations, each team is responsible for contributing 1/7th of the league’s operating budget through monthly assessments, starting from April. Unfortunately, the Empire, under Antonio Brown’s ownership, failed to make its required payments.
Additionally, Antonio Brown, the team’s owner, was fined $1,000 for engaging in conduct detrimental to the league due to his recent public comments.
However, he chose not to settle the fine imposed on him, further exacerbating the situation.
When Antonio Brown initially acquired the Albany Empire, he paid the team’s assessment for April.
However, the team subsequently failed to make the May 15th payment, and shortly before their game in Orlando last week, the league was informed that the April assessment payment was being challenged.
As a result, that payment was refunded to Mr. Brown. The league had been in communication with his accountant, Alex Gunaris, who had requested direct communication regarding the team’s financial obligations.
Mr. Gunaris was informed of the league’s efforts to collect the delinquent payments, but he relayed that it appeared unlikely that Mr. Brown would fulfill the assessment or pay the fine.
Once the league became aware of Mr. Brown’s intentions, an emergency conference call was arranged. During this call, it was decided to grant the Empire a deadline until Thursday at noon to make their payment.
Failure to meet this deadline would result in the cancellation of their home game against Jacksonville and the immediate termination of their membership in the National Arena League.
Unfortunately, Mr. Brown failed to meet the financial obligations required of his team within the given timeframe. Consequently, the league has terminated his membership agreement.
