Apparently all Antonio Brown had to do was keep quiet.
According to ESPN, which cited unidentified league sources, the receiver would likely still be playing for the Patriots had he not allegedly sent intimidating text messages to the woman who accused him of sexual misconduct last week.
That includes Sunday's game against the Jets, which would have been Brown's second game with New England after he made his Week 2 debut against the Dolphins.
"That crossed the line," one source familiar with the organization's thinking told ESPN. "This was real evidence."
Brown, who already is facing a civil lawsuit that accuses him of sexual assault and rape, was released by the Patriots on Friday after the team learned of the texts. It was reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft was "enraged" when he found out and made the decision to cut Brown after discussing the move with coach Bill Belichick.
The NFL later issued a statement declaring Brown an unrestricted free agent.
"Our office is presently investigating multiple allegations, some of which are the subject of pending litigation" the statement said. "We have as yet made no findings regarding these issues. The investigation is ongoing and will be pursued vigorously and expeditiously.
"As long as Mr. Brown is a free agent, placement on the Commissioner’s exempt list is not appropriate. If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation."
Brown's agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN he's already had conversations "with a few teams that are interested" in the wide receiver. However, he added those teams "want information regarding his legal situation and the NFL investigation," so any potential deal is not likely to happen until those issues are resolved.
But Brown doesn't seem willing to wait as he announced Sunday he's done playing in the NFL.
Will not be playing in the @NFL anymore these owners can cancel deals do whatever they want at anytime we will see if the @NFLPA hold them accountable sad they can just void guarantees anytime going on 40m 2 months will see if they pay up !
— AB (@AB84) September 22, 2019
He didn't stop there, though, and fired off a flurry of since-deleted tweets on the alleged sexual misdeeds of Kraft, retired tight end Shannon Sharpe and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Brown continues to deny all allegations against him, which are still being investigated.