Antonio Brown loses Nike deal

Nike has ended its sponsorship of controversial New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown, the company has confirmed.

"Antonio Brown is not a Nike athlete," a Nike spokesperson told Michael Silverman of The Boston Globe on Wednesday.

Nike did not explain its decision, nor the timing of the move. Brown, 31, is being sued by his former personal trainer over rape allegations. The lawsuit was filed one day after Brown signed his contract with the Patriots.

In February, a month before the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Brown to the Oakland Raiders, the apparel producer launched the "Nike Tech Trainer Antonio Brown" shoe.

Steelers jerseys with Brown's name and number were still available for purchase on Nike's online store as of Thursday.

Brown, who's been involved in various off-field dramas over the last several months, also recently lost an endorsement deal with helmet manufacturer Xenith.

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