Former NFL player Antonio Brown is heading back to Miami on Tuesday to address an attempted murder charge linked to a shooting incident that occurred in May. His attorney has submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.
According to jail records from Essex County, New Jersey, Brown was released late Tuesday morning to be transferred to Florida. The former All-Pro wide receiver had waived his right to contest extradition from New Jersey, where he had been taken following his arrest in Dubai.
Mark Eiglarsh, Brown’s attorney, mentioned in an email that he has already filed a formal not guilty plea regarding the attempted murder charge. Eiglarsh indicated that Brown could appear in a Miami courtroom as soon as Wednesday morning for a bond hearing.
As stated in an arrest warrant, Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security staff member after a celebrity boxing event on May 16 and fired two shots at a man with whom he had previously engaged in a fistfight. The victim, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, informed investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck.
Eiglarsh asserted that Brown was merely acting in self-defense against an individual with whom he had prior issues.
“The actions he had to take were strictly in self-defense against the aggressive behavior of the alleged victim. Brown was assaulted that night and acted within his legal rights to defend himself,” Eiglarsh stated.
Brown was not arrested immediately that night as police did not initially recognize Nantambu as a victim. It was only on May 21 that Nantambu provided a comprehensive statement to authorities and identified Brown as the shooter, according to the affidavit.
Based on his social media updates, Brown had been residing in Dubai for several months. After the incident, he posted on social media, claiming he was defending himself because he was “attacked by multiple individuals who attempted to steal my jewelry and cause me physical harm.”
In Florida, a second-degree attempted murder charge could result in a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Brown, who played 12 years in the NFL, was an All-Pro wide receiver, last taking the field in 2021 for Tampa Bay, although he spent the majority of his career with Pittsburgh. Over his career, Brown accumulated 928 receptions amounting to over 12,000 yards and scored a total of 88 touchdowns, including returns and one passing touchdown. He was selected for the Pro Bowl seven times.
Over the years, Brown has faced numerous legal challenges, including accusations of battery against a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support, and other incidents.
During a game in 2021 with Tampa Bay against the New York Jets, Brown removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves and exited the field, which led to his release from the Buccaneers and effectively ended his football career.
