Former NFL standout Antonio Brown has returned to Miami to face an attempted murder charge connected to a May shooting incident. Brown’s attorney has entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
Records from Essex County Jail in New Jersey indicate that Brown was released on Tuesday morning for the transfer to Florida. The ex-All-Pro wide receiver had agreed to be extradited to Florida from New Jersey after being detained in Dubai.
Mark Eiglarsh, Brown’s legal representative, has confirmed submitting a formal not guilty plea regarding the attempted murder accusation. Brown is expected to appear in a Miami court for a potential bond hearing as soon as Wednesday morning, according to Eiglarsh.
Allegedly, Brown is charged with taking a handgun from a security staff member following a celebrity boxing event on May 16 and firing two shots at an individual he had previously clashed with in a physical altercation. The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, reported sustaining a minor injury to his neck from one of the bullets.
Eiglarsh stated that Brown acted in self-defense against a person he had previous issues with. Brown claimed he was attacked and was within his legal rights to defend himself.
Following the incident, Brown was not immediately apprehended as the police did not initially identify Nantambu as a victim. It was only on May 21 that Nantambu provided a detailed statement to authorities, identifying Brown as the shooter.
Brown had been residing in Dubai for several months, as evident from his social media activity. He stated on social media that he was protecting himself after being confronted by multiple individuals attempting to steal his belongings and cause harm.
If convicted of second-degree attempted murder in Florida, Brown could face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The former NFL star, who had a successful career spanning 12 years, notably playing for Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, has faced various legal issues in the past, including battery charges, domestic violence accusations, and failure to pay child support.
In a memorable incident during a 2021 game against the New York Jets, Brown removed his gear and exited the field abruptly, leading to his dismissal from the Buccaneers and effectively ending his football career.