The Patriots have issued a statement regarding the sexual assault and rape lawsuit filed against receiver Antonio Brown. And the statement says plenty about the NFL’s response to the situation.“We are aware of the civil lawsuit that was filed earlier today against Antonio Brown http://www.patriotslockerroom.com/authentic-trent-brown-jersey , as well as the response by Antonio’s representatives,” the Patriots said. “We take these allegations very seriously. Under no circumstance does this organization condone sexual violence or assault. The league has informed us that they will be investigating. We will have no further comment while that investigation takes place.”While the league has not responded to a request for comment from PFT, the team’s statement makes it clear that the NFL will exercise its prerogative to explore the matter. Because no criminal investigation is pending, the league need not wait to investigate. Because the plaintiff in the lawsuit, Britney Taylor, has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the NFL, the league should face no obstacles, given its inability to subpoena non-employees of the league or its teams.Depending on the information obtained, Brown could be placed on the Commissioner-Exempt list while the investigation proceeds. He also could be disciplined by the league even in the absence of an arrest or conviction.The statement also implies that the Patriots will be taking no action while the investigation proceeds. In 1996, the Patriots rescinded their rights to fifth-round draft pick Christian Peter based on a string of arrests while in college at Nebraska. Given that Brown has denied the allegations made against him, it’s impossible at this point to know whether he has any actual responsibility. If the league finds that Brown engaging in misconduct, the Patriots could choose to part ways with Brown. Notes and musings from the first of three practices." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhitePats Pulpita New England Patriots communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpPatriots NewsOpinion and AnalysisContribute!About the SiteTopicsPatriotsOddsShopStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhitePatriots News Opinion and Analysis Contribute! FanPostsFanShotsAbout the Site List of Patriots Twitter AccountsWrite For Pats Pulpit!New User Welcome and Commenting GuideCommunity GuidelinesMastheadTopics Patriots Off-Season CoveragePatriots Opinion/AnalysisPatriots NewsPatriots Draft CoverageSportfolio ManagementFiled under:Patriots NewsPatriots AnalysisPatriots Offseason CoveragePatriots 2019 minicamp recap: Tom Brady steals the show in his return to practiceNew,29commentsNotes and musings from the first of three practices.EDTShareTweetShareSharePatriots 2019 minicamp recap: Tom Brady steals the show in his return to practiceBob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsEarlier today Duron Harmon Jersey , the New England Patriots kicked off their 2019 mandatory minicamp. The two-hour session behind Gillette Stadium took place in perfect conditions, and with the world champions’ biggest star in attendance for the first time all spring: quarterback Tom Brady, who skipped the voluntary phase of offseason workouts, returned to join his teammates on the practice fields.Brady’s return was the biggest, but far from the only story to come out of Foxboro today. Let’s recap the action from day one:Attendance8 players were not spotted during the session: RB Sony Michel, RB Nick Brossette, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, OT Yodny Cajuste, DE Deatrich Wise Jr, SS Patrick Chung, SS Nate Ebner (source)6 players returned to practice after missing the last open session on May 23: QB Tom Brady, OT Isaiah Wynn Womens Tedy Bruschi Jersey , DE Michael Bennett, LB Kyle Van Noy, P Ryan Allen, LS Joe Cardona (source)1 player was present but limited: OT Isaiah Wynn (source)InjuriesFortunately, no players appeared to have suffered injuries today.OffenseThe quarterbacks performed as follows during 11-on-11 drills (source):The quarterbacks performed as follows during 7-on-7 drills (source):The quarterbacks performed as follows during 4-on-4 drills (source):Danny Elting is the clear-cut number four on the quarterback depth chart at this point in time.Wide receiver Braxton Berrios made the ‘play of the day’ when he made a diving catch down the right sideline on a pass from Brian Hoyer with Joejuan Williams in coverage. The second-year pass catcher had a good session. (source)Speaking of ‘good sessions,’ Maurice Harris and Stephen Anderson also were among the standouts. (source)After standing out during the lone open OTA session, N’Keal Harry was more inconsistent today. (source)With Isaiah Wynn still limited, Joe Thuney again started at left tackle. Ted Karras, meanwhile, lined up at left guard. (source)Tom Brady had a side-session at one point with just N’Keal Harry, Benjamin Watson and James White. (source)With Sony Michel out, Damien Harris saw considerable reps. (source)DefenseThe following players registered pass deflections: J.C. Jackson, Kyle Van Noy http://www.patriotslockerroom.com/authentic-lawrence-guy-jersey , Duke Dawson Jr, Keion Crossen. (source)Ja’Whaun Bentley registered the lone interception during 11-on-11 drills, off a pass tipped by Kyle Van Noy. (source)All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore saw some time against first-round rookie N’Keal Harry today, winning the battle. (source)Chase Winovich’s effort stands out. (source)Special teamsThe following players practiced punt returns: WR Braxton Berrios, WR Phillip Dorsett, WR Maurice Harris, WR Gunner Olszewski, WR Julian Edelman (source)While Jake Bailey has a better hang-time than Ryan Allen, he also fumbled a snap and had a touchback. (source)Fourth-string quarterback Danny Etling saw time as a personal punt protector at one point. (source)MiscellaneousUndrafted rookie Gunner Olszewski was the first player spotted on the field today. (source)Ex-Patriots Troy Brown and Deion Branch were present to assist the coaching staff. (source)