Antonio Brown sentenced to probation for 2025 Miami shooting

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown pleaded guilty on Friday to aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with a shooting outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami in 2025.

Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez sentenced Brown to three years of probation during a brief hearing in Miami state court. The sentence requires him to attend weekly counseling sessions and refrain from possessing a firearm for the duration of the term.

Brown, who is 38, had originally faced an attempted murder charge. Police reported that he grabbed a handgun from a security staffer at the event and fired two shots at a man he had previously fistfought. He maintained that he was defending himself while others attempted to steal his jewelry. The plea to the reduced charge allows him to avoid prison time and a criminal conviction.

Prosecutor Howard Rosen stated that his office agreed to reduce the charge because there was a question regarding whether Brown was actually attempting to shoot the victim. Rosen noted that the victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, was present in court and has publicly stated he would not cooperate with police or press charges. The victim, who was grazed in the neck, has said he has forgiven Brown.

Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, described the outcome as a relief for his client, who was facing a potential 30-year prison sentence with a 20-year minimum mandatory term. Eiglarsh said the offer was difficult to refuse and that both he and Brown were excited about the resolution. Outside the courtroom, Brown said he was thankful and wanted to return to his life and family.

The case stems from an incident in 2025, following which Brown was extradited from Dubai in November 2025. An arrest warrant for attempted murder had been issued in June of that year. Brown has business interests in Dubai and has faced other legal issues in recent years, including domestic violence charges and unpaid child support.

Brown spent 12 years in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 under quarterback Tom Brady. The following season, he removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves during a game and ran off the field, leading to his release by the Buccaneers.

Richard Cooper, the lawyer for the victim, said in a statement that the defense and state had decided the plea deal was in the best interest of all parties. He expressed gratitude for the court ratifying the agreement and stated that his client wishes Brown healing.