Singer Chris Brown wanted to play in the All-Star Celebrity Game. Why he says he didn't
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R&B singer Chris Brown wanted to play basketball in Indianapolis this weekend.
But he said he was disinvited from playing in the Feb. 16 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The singer ("Look at Me Now," "Loyal") on early Saturday morning posted to Instagram that he had received an invitation to play in the Celebrity Game but that he was booted from the lineup of stars taking the court in Indianapolis this weekend.
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“I was asked by the NBA to play in the all star game this Year! Only for them to call later and say they couldn’t do IT because of their sponsors like RUFFLES,” the post said. “At this point I’m sick of people bothering me and I’m tired of living in the f—- past.”
IndyStar has reached out to the NBA regarding Brown's claims. A spokesperson for the game's sponsor, Ruffles, shared the following statement: “Ruffles sponsored last night’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, however Ruffles did not have any involvement in, nor visibility to, any player decisions or celebrity invite discussions.”
In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in a highly-publicized domestic violence case involving singer Rihanna.
In 2017, his ex-girlfriend, actress Karrueche Tran, was granted a five-year restraining order against him after she shared text messages and voicemails from Brown threatening her.
Brown on Saturday shared images of a Jan. 22, 2024, email apparently confirming his participation in the Celebrity Game, along with the date, location and request he submit a headshot and bio.
The NBA released its list of celeb players on Feb. 7.
Brown in the Instagram story post said the NBA still wanted him to sit courtside.
He didn’t show.
“I only go where Im appreciated,” he said.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com:@cherylvjackson.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Chris Brown says he was barred from playing in NBA All-Star celeb game
