A former NFL player, who was involved in a shooting incident in May 2025 outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami, has been spared jail time after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. The individual received a three-year conditional release, which includes mandatory weekly counseling sessions and a prohibition on possessing firearms.
A court agreement was reached, allowing the defendant to avoid an initial charge of attempted murder, a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years. The resolution was facilitated by a joint decision between the Prosecutor's Office and the defense to reduce the charges, amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the defendant's intent to shoot the victim.
In a Miami state court on Friday, Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez officially delivered the verdict. The defendant, 38-year-old Brown, made a brief statement, speaking in a low tone. The judge requested him to speak more loudly so that she could clearly hear his declaration of guilt.
Following the court proceedings, the former athlete expressed gratitude to God and stated his desire to resume his life and reunite with his loved ones.
The defendant's lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh, expressed satisfaction with the trial's outcome, acknowledging that his client had potentially faced a lengthy prison sentence of several decades.
Former NFL player Antonio Brown has accepted a plea deal in a Miami-Dade Court case, with his attempt murder charge being reduced to aggravated assault with a firearm. As part of the agreement, Brown will serve no prison time, instead receiving three years of probation, a psychological evaluation, and counseling.
A shooting occurred at a celebrity boxing event in Miami, with police reporting that the incident involved a physical altercation. Brown allegedly took a firearm from a security staff member and discharged it twice, striking Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu in the neck.
Michael Brown's defense team claimed he took action to protect himself from an imminent threat and that others were attempting to steal his jewelry. His defense may also be grounded in Florida's Stand Your Ground law, which permits the use of lethal force when an individual reasonably believes they are at risk of death or serious harm, without a requirement to retreat.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Howard Rosen stated that his office had agreed to lower the charge due to uncertainties surrounding the incident, specifically whether Brown had attempted to shoot at Nantambu. Rosen noted that Brown was in the process of moving away at the time of the attack.
The individual involved in the incident had previously expressed her reluctance to cooperate with law enforcement or pursue formal charges.
The parties involved in the case, including the defense and the prosecution, collectively determined that a plea agreement was in the best interest of all parties, thereby allowing Mr. Brown to receive a therapeutic treatment.
Richard Cooper, attorney for Nantambu, expressed gratitude to the court for its approval of the agreement and stated that Nantambu's wishes for Brown have remained constant, focusing on his healing and spiritual well-being.
Brown played 12 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Notably, in 2021, he was a key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who secured a Super Bowl victory, alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady.
A player's season was cut short after he unexpectedly removed his attire, including a t-shirt, hoodies, and gloves, during a game and left the field. Following this incident, the Buccaneers organization terminated his contract.
Formerly a public figure, the individual has encountered multiple legal issues, including allegations of road rage against a truck driver, domestic violence charges, and non-compliance with child support payments.
In November 2025, a man was extradited from Dubai, where he maintains significant commercial interests, following the issuance of an arrest warrant in June of that year for attempted murder. A related judicial process in Miami was subsequently closed after he was convicted of a minor offense and received a conditional release, requiring him to meet specific conditions over the next three years.
