Things just can't be simple for Antonio Brown.
The former NFL star stirred up hype for the Albany Empire, the National Arena League team whose ownership group he joined in March, by saying he was going to play for the team after a terrible start to the season.
Brown was expected to make his debut Saturday, but when the game rosters were released, Brown was listed as inactive.
Why was Antonio Brown inactive for Albany Empire game?
As it turned out, Brown's physical information wasn't submitted in time, thus barring him from playing, according to Rodger Wyland of Albany television station WNYT.
Antonio Brown is not on the 21 man active roster for tonight’s Albany Empire game, because the paper work related to his physical did not go through in time. He’s on the 25 man roster but won’t play tonight.
— Rodger Wyland (@RodgerWyland) May 27, 2023
Brown hasn't played in a professional football game since leaving the Buccaneers mid-game against the Jets in 2021. He claimed he wanted to join the Empire roster after a 1-4 start to its 2023 campaign after back-to-back NAL championships.
MORE: Brown explains falling-out with Tom Brady after then-Bucs teammate 'cussed out' his agent
Making things worse, Brown's ownership appears to have been a detriment to the franchise. Eight players have been released and there have been three different coaches at this early stage of the season.
This latest incident has created friction between Brown and MVP Arena general manager Bob Belber. Wyland reported that the league told Belber that Brown, as an owner, could have played anyway.
NAL Commissioner Chris Siegfried told MVP GM Bob Belber that an Owner can override the paper work. Belber is not happy with tonight’s mess at MVP Arena and not happy with Antonio Brown.
— Rodger Wyland (@RodgerWyland) May 27, 2023
Brown declined to be interviewed by Wyland before the game.
Antonio Brown is at the game but not suited up. @RodgerWyland trying to ask AB a question but he said give him some space and he’ll do an interview later. Rodger says he’s not leaving here without that interview. pic.twitter.com/F0nx2twISI
— Tessa Bentulan (@TessaBentulan) May 27, 2023
MORE: Why is Antonio Brown playing for the Albany Empire?
How much of the Albany Empire does Antonio Brown own?
Brown owns a 95 percent stake in the Albany Empire. He started at 47.5 percent but bought an additional 47.5 percent for $1 from Mike Kwarta, giving him nearly unilateral control of the franchise.
His tenure has been disastrous on and off the field. Coach Tom Menas was fired before the season began, and Damon Ware was fired after a 1-2 start. Menas rejoined the team and resigned just over two weeks later. Pete Porcelli was then hired after John Audino turned down the job.
Eight players reportedly were released for complaining about Brown failing to pay them.
MORE: Fired coach says AB 'came in and killed' franchise
Albany Empire schedule
Brown couldn't play in Saturday's game, but if he gets his paperwork in, he may still play this season. A look at the Empire's remaining schedule in 2023:
| Date | Time (ET) | Opponent |
| Friday, June 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Orlando Predators |
| Saturday, June 17 | 7 p.m. | Jacksonville Sharks |
| Saturday, June 24 | 7 p.m. | San Antonio Gunslingers |
| Saturday, July 1 | 4 p.m. | Fayetteville Mustangs |
| Saturday, July 8 | 8:30 p.m. | West Texas Warbirds |
| Saturday, July 15 | 7 p.m. | Jacksonville Sharks |
| Saturday, July 22 | 7 p.m. | Carolina Cobras |
| Saturday, July 29 | 7 p.m. | Fayetteville Mustangs |
