The Facts: The Patriots released Brown on Friday, less than two weeks after signing him. "We appreciate the hard work of many people over the past 11 days, but we feel that it is best to move in a different direction at this time," the team said in a statement.

Diehards Line: Brown, who had practiced with the team earlier Friday, tweeted his thanks to the organization shortly before the move was announced. Agent Drew Rosenhaus subsequently released this statement: "It's unfortunate things didn't work out with the Patriots. But Antonio is healthy and is looking forward to his next opportunity in the NFL. He wants to play the game he loves and he hopes to play for another team soon." Don't count on that. On Thursday, the lawyer for the artist reached out to the NFL after Brown apparently sent what were described as threatening text messages to her client. The league will continue to investigate.