Former NFL player Antonio Brown, aged 36, is currently facing an attempted murder charge related to a shooting incident that occurred outside an amateur boxing event in Miami. According to an arrest warrant, Brown is alleged to have engaged in a physical altercation and subsequently grabbed a handgun from a security staff member, firing two shots at a man he had just fought with, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. Reports indicate that one of the bullets grazed Nantambu's neck.
The second-degree attempted murder charge against Brown carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000. The arrest warrant does not list a lawyer representing Brown, who is known for his notable career as an All-Pro wide receiver, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His last appearance in the NFL was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. Efforts to reach Brown through his social media accounts have gone unanswered.
This incident represents yet another chapter in a lengthy list of legal troubles that Brown has faced in recent years. He has previously been accused of various offenses, including the battery of a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support. Additionally, during a game on January 2, 2022, against the New York Jets, Brown unexpectedly removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves, leaving the field abruptly, which led to his release from the Buccaneers. Following that incident, Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady expressed concern for Brown's well-being, urging people to show compassion for him during a difficult phase.
The warrant details that Brown was present at a celebrity boxing event in Miami on May 16, 2023, when police responded to reports of gunshots. By the time authorities arrived, several patrons alleged that Brown was the shooter, but initially, no weapon was found on him, and he was released, as the victim could not be located immediately. Later, it was revealed that Nantambu was indeed the victim of the shooting.
Video surveillance from the event indicated that an altercation involving Brown and Nantambu took place outside the boxing venue. The video footage showed security attempting to break up the fight; during this chaos, Brown allegedly took a firearm from a security official's hip. Cellphone videos from bystanders captured Brown, with the weapon in hand, advancing towards Nantambu prior to firing two shots, which occurred only a few feet away from the victim. Nantambu was able to identify Brown as the shooter and stated that he had known him since 2022.
In the aftermath of the altercation, Brown took to social media to assert that he had been "jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me." Throughout his professional football career, Brown amassed impressive statistics, including 928 receptions for 12,291 receiving yards and 88 touchdown catches. He played for several teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, achieving significant success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2021 alongside Brady. Brown's career spanned 12 years, during which he was selected for the Pro Bowl seven times.
This recent shooting incident adds to a troubling pattern of behavior and legal issues for Antonio Brown, highlighting the complexities of his post-NFL life and the difficulties he faces both personally and legally.
