Antonio Brown, a former NFL standout, is set to return to Miami to face an attempted murder charge following a May shooting incident. Brown’s attorney has submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Records from Essex County Jail in New Jersey indicate that Brown was released on Tuesday morning for his transfer to Florida. The ex-All-Pro wide receiver had agreed to be extradited to Florida from New Jersey after being detained in Dubai.
Brown’s legal representative, Mark Eiglarsh, confirmed that a written not guilty plea has been filed in response to the attempted murder accusation. It is anticipated that Brown will appear in a Miami courtroom for a bond hearing as early as Wednesday morning, according to Eiglarsh.
As per the arrest warrant, Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security staff member after a celebrity boxing match on May 16 and discharged two rounds at an individual with whom he had a prior altercation. The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, reported that one of the bullets grazed his neck.
Eiglarsh asserted that Brown acted in self-defense against a person he had previous issues with on that night. He stated, “The actions he took were solely in self-defense against the alleged victim’s violent behavior. Brown was assaulted that evening and acted within his legal right to defend himself.”
Brown was not immediately apprehended on the night of the incident as Nantambu was not initially recognized as a victim by the police. It was only on May 21 that Nantambu provided a comprehensive statement to the authorities, identifying Brown as the shooter.
According to Brown’s social media posts, he had been residing in Dubai for several months. Following the altercation, Brown posted on social media that he was protecting himself as he was “attacked by multiple individuals who attempted to steal my jewelry and cause me harm.”
A charge of second-degree attempted murder in Florida carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction.
Brown, who enjoyed a 12-year career in the NFL, was a distinguished wide receiver and last played for Tampa Bay in 2021, having spent most of his tenure with Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, Brown amassed 928 receptions for over 12,000 yards and scored a total of 88 touchdowns, including returns and one pass. He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times.
Brown has encountered various legal issues over the years, including allegations of battery against a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support, and other incidents.
In a game in 2021 against the New York Jets while playing for Tampa Bay, Brown controversially removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves before leaving the field, resulting in his release from the Buccaneers and effectively concluding his football career.
