Antonio Brown says he wanted to ‘give back to the community’ with Albany Empire

Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown has once again became the center of attention after his Albany Empire were kicked out of the National Arena league.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday Brown spoke on a number of topics revolving around his tenure as owner of the Empire that included saying he bought the team to ‘give back to the community,’ that helped shape him, while also stating the Empire were already to leave the NAL before the league terminated the franchise.

‘I want to share the people in the media who write negative about Antonio Brown and who lose sight of what the truth is here in Albany,’ Brown told WTEN. 

‘I didn’t come here to make money.’

‘I came up here to represent something that I grew up in as a little kid, and give back to the community that helped shape me to be who I am today.’

 The National Arena League terminated the Albany Empire only months into Brown’s tenure

Brown would go on to speak on the pre-planned change of leagues as he launched into a bizarre rant.

‘Don’t let the people or the minutiae distract us,’ Brown added. ‘This is the last year in the NAL. Next year we’re going to the AFL. Not a lot of owners around here have this type of money to even be in this league, so let’s get that clear. 

‘A lot of naysayers around here. I’ve been seeing a lot of players chit-chat about me. You think I care about what a NAL player say about me? I’m giving these guys jobs. I’m giving people careers. I’m giving people the opportunity to live out their dreams.

‘I’m not gonna go back and forth for a NAL player who’s trying to be who I used to be. I want to be a leader. I want to be detailed about my action, what I stand for. What I represent here. I want to be clear about the minutiae of what we’re doing, and how we’re doing things.

‘Let’s not lose sight of why I am here. I came back here in a community I grew up in to give the people here, who grew up like me, and the players here who grew up like my dad, a better opportunity to live out their dreams.’ 

Brown favored the more popular AFL over the NAL.

Ex-NFL All-Pro WR recently bought the Empire but his tenure had gotten off to a rocky start

‘I am a lobbyist,’ Brown said towards the end of his presser.

‘I’m looking for the players that really go to the next level in their lives. That’s what I’m trying, to help players fulfill their dreams.

‘So when people talk about me, let’s be clear here. What’s my purpose, what I am and what I stand for.’

Despite his hopes to make the franchise a pillar of community the start to Brown’s tenure was chaotic.