The New England Patriots decided to release Antonio Brown following the report he sent intimated group text messages to an artist who accused him on unwanted sexual advances.

"That crossed the line," one source familiar with the organization's thinking told ESPN. "This was real evidence."

The Patriots are expected to withhold the $9 million signing bonus they agreed to pay Brown when he signed.

Among other factors, New England will lean on the "representation and warranty" clause in Brown's contract that specifically states: "Player represent warrants and covenance to the club that he will 1) execute in good faith and to the best of his ability all of his obligations to and for the club; 2) he does not and will not participate and is not engaged or will not engage in any conduct or activity that is illegal, unlawful or immoral. And 3) No circumstances exist that would prevent players continuing availability to the club for the duration of the contract."

Some NFL sources strongly believe the Patriots will eventually owe Brown $9 million.

Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick made the decision together for the New England Patriots to release Antonio Brown.

"This decision was described to me as one they came together and they're aligned with," said Mike Reiss.

The Patriots signed Brown after Week 1 when he was released by the Oakland Raiders.

Brown subsequently was served in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault. Another accuser stepped forward subsequently and Brown also allegedly tried to intimidate her.

The Dallas Cowboys have released Taco Charlton.

Charlton was the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Charlton requested a trade from the Cowboys after he fell out of their plans.

The Houston Texans have released Aaron Colvin.

Colvin was just one season into his four-year, $34 million contract. Colvin has $7.5 million guaranteed for 2019.

The Texans have ostensibly paid Colvin $18.2 million for 11 games.

Antonio Brown sought advice from social media consultants on how he could accelerate his release from the Oakland Raiders.

Brown published a highly edited video featuring a private conversation between himself and Jon Gruden.

Brown also published a letter from Mike Mayock informing him of his fine.

Brown signed with the New England Patriots upon his release by the Raiders.

The Dallas Cowboys have added Ezekiel Elliott to their 53-man roster so he can play in Week 1 against the Giants.

The Cowboys released Alfred Morris to make room for Elliott.

Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million extension with the Cowboys on Wednesday.

The Cowboys could look to re-sign Morris.