Antonio Brown officially returns to Central Michigan as student, CMU confirms
Professional footballer Antonio Brown makes an appearance during the spring game on April 21 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Antonio Brown is officially enrolled at Central Michigan University.
Director of University Communications Heather Smith confirmed to Central Michigan Life that Brown is enrolled in online classes for the Fall 2019 semester.
"I can confirm that Antonio Brown is currently enrolled in online degree completion coursework at Central Michigan University," Smith said. "He does not attend classes on a CMU campus. His online courses began last week."
Brown left CMU in 2009 and has not yet earned a Bachelor's degree. On Monday, the former Chippewa wide receiver posted his class schedule on Instagram showing that he is taking four classes that account for 12 credits.
Brown is taking Introduction to Management (MGT 312), Technical Writing (ENG 303WI), Death and Dying (REL 334WI) and Racism and Inequality (SOC 323).
Earlier Monday, Registrar Keith Malkowski refused to provide Central Michigan Life directory information about Brown. Malkowski said any inquiries about Brown had to come from University Communications. Basic directory information is available to anyone through FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
From 2007-09, Brown was a student-athlete at CMU, but he left school early to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. He was selected in the sixth round (195th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brown did not graduate from CMU.
Because two of his classes began Sept. 16, he was enrolled at the university by the Monday before he was cut by the Patriots. Brown does not have any NCAA eligibility remaining since he signed a professional contract.
"Nobody believed when I was here, nobody thought I’d be where I’m at," Brown told CM Life during the 2018 spring game. "This is what it’s all about – doing things people wouldn’t expect you to do, coming from places that they’d never expect you to come from and coming back to show the love."
After Brown's fallout with the Steelers, Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, he announced he wouldn't ever again play in the NFL. He was cut by the Patriots on Sept. 20 and was dropped by Nike a day earlier amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape of former CMU gymnast Brittney Taylor in 2017 and 2018.
Brown's professors are Frederick Slack, Melinda Kreth, Bradley Onishi and Jasmine Cooper. Of the four courses, Introduction to Management and Technical Writing are already underway. The others begin Oct. 21.
Before the 2019 season, Brown donated six heated benches worth $105,000 to the football program.
The benches have his college number (No. 27) and number he wore with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders (No. 84) on opposite ends. In the top left corner, there's writing in gold text – "Boomin."
The Chippewas also have multiple photos of Brown throughout their facilities, and he even appears on the scoreboard before home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Due to the reported incidents surrounding Brown and Taylor, two former athletes, the university released a statement.
“We’re aware of the media coverage about incidents that reportedly occurred in another state after both parties left CMU’s campus. Thus, it would be inappropriate for us to comment.
“Central Michigan University takes seriously and investigates all known allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Central is a leading university in raising awareness and prevention of sexual assault, and it provides students, faculty and staff with a variety of resources and counseling services.
“The benches are a one-time gift from Mr. Brown to the football program. Their continued use by the football team will be evaluated as the facts and circumstances of Mr. Brown’s civil litigation warrant.”
Here are the classes Brown is taking at CMU:
