Lawyer requests sanctions after Antonio Brown's 'shenanigans' derail deposition

An opposing attorney has filed a 35-page motion requesting sanctions against Antonio Brown after the free-agent wideout's "reprehensible behavior" allegedly derailed a deposition for a property damage lawsuit filed in October 2018.

The motion, filed Wednesday and obtained by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, concerns the former All-Pro's antics during a court-ordered deposition on Sept. 24 that took eight months to schedule. Opposing lawyer George Minski asserts Brown's actions "warrant the imposition of monetary sanctions" as well as a new deposition.

The original property damage lawsuit concerns a 2018 incident in which Brown allegedly threw several pieces of furniture out the window of his luxury condo into the complex's pool area, nearly injuring a man and his 22-month-old grandson and causing nearly $100,000 in damages.

Brown was apparently 30 minutes late for the deposition, and his subsequent behavior prompted his own counsel to ask for a break after only 20 minutes. When Brown returned from consulting with his counsel, he began texting on his phone. He ignored requests to stop from both opposing counsel and his own, prompting another break 20-30 minutes later.

Minski alleges Brown acted "belligerent and pugnacious, refusing to answer the most routine of questions, despite there being no objection to the questioning coming from his counsel." The motion also details Brown's abrupt exit from the proceedings.

"Soon thereafter, (Brown) started announcing a countdown, starting at 'five minutes,' and counting down the minutes thereafter," the motion reads. "Before noon, (Brown) left the conference room."

Minski added he would file video footage of the deposition so "the court may actually see (Brown's) shenanigans."

Brown's lawyer, Darren Heitner, said a legal response to the motion was already being prepared and could be submitted as early as Thursday, according to Robinson, who adds a hearing regarding the sanction request is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 8.