It appears highly likely that the New England Patriots were unaware of Antonio Brown's civil matter when they signed him earlier this week, according to sources.

Representatives for Brown and Britney Taylor were in discussions over the past few months, but agreed their communication would remain confidential until the filing of Taylor's civil sexual assault lawsuit, according to a report.

Taylor, Brown's former trainer, filed a lawsuit with the Southern District of Florida accusing Brown of sexually assaulting her on three occasions.