Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown is heading back to Miami to face an attempted murder charge in connection with a May shooting that allegedly followed a celebrity boxing match.
According to The Associated Press, Brown, 36, was released from a New Jersey jail Tuesday morning for transfer to Florida, according to Essex County jail records. The former All-Pro had been detained after his arrest in Dubai and waived extradition to Florida.
His attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, confirmed that he has already filed a written not guilty plea on Brown’s behalf and said the former athlete could appear in court as early as Wednesday for a bond hearing.
According to an arrest warrant, Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a member of a security team after a May 16 boxing event and firing two shots at a man he had previously fought with. The alleged victim, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators one bullet grazed his neck.
Eiglarsh insisted Brown acted in self-defense.
“The actions he was forced to take were solely in self-defense against the alleged victim’s violent behavior,” the attorney said in a statement. “Brown was attacked that night and acted within his legal right to protect himself.”
Authorities said police initially did not identify Nantambu as a victim the night of the incident. It wasn’t until May 21 that he gave a full statement and named Brown as the shooter, according to court records.
Brown had been living in Dubai for several months, based on his social media posts. After the altercation, he posted that he was “jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me.”
If convicted, Brown faces up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for second-degree attempted murder.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers star last played in the NFL in 2021, finishing his 12-year career with 928 receptions, more than 12,000 yards, and 88 touchdowns.
Brown’s off-field troubles have long shadowed his athletic achievements. He has faced multiple legal issues over the years, including battery, domestic violence allegations, and failure to pay child support. His dramatic mid-game exit from a 2021 matchup with the New York Jets marked the end of his professional football career.
