Antonio Brown gets 3-year probation in Miami shooting

Antonio Brown avoided incarceration in his Miami shooting case on Friday after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez handed the 38-year-old former All-Pro wide receiver a three-year probation sentence in state court. The deal spares Brown from prison time and keeps a criminal conviction off his record, a move that marks the end of a legal process that began with an attempted murder charge.

The legal dispute stems from an incident at a celebrity boxing event in Miami in 2025. Brown was initially charged with attempted murder after police reported he took a handgun from a security officer and fired two shots at a man with whom he had previously fought. Brown argued he was acting in self-defense while others attempted to steal his jewelry. The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, was grazed in the neck and was present in the courtroom on Friday.

Prosecutor Howard Rosen explained that his office reduced the charge because of questions about whether Brown was actively trying to shoot the victim, who had been walking away from the altercation. Rosen noted that Nantambu publicly stated he did not wish to press charges or cooperate with police. The agreement also allows for therapeutic treatment for Brown. The victim's attorney, Richard Cooper, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Mark Eiglarsh, Brown's attorney, said his client originally faced a potential 30-year prison sentence that included a 20-year mandatory minimum. Eiglarsh described the final resolution as extremely favorable, noting that the prosecutors offered a deal that was difficult to refuse given the high stakes. During the brief court proceedings, Brown appeared in a black leather jacket and white pants. He spoke in a low voice until the judge asked him to project his voice. Outside the courtroom, Brown expressed gratitude to God and said he wants to return to his family.

Brown's legal troubles extend beyond the Miami shooting. He has faced accusations of battery against a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support in recent years. Brown was extradited from Dubai in November 2025 after an arrest warrant was issued in June of that year. He holds business interests in Dubai.

The wide receiver spent 12 years in the NFL, with the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 under quarterback Tom Brady. His career effectively ended the following season when he removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves before running off the field during a game, leading to his release by the team.

Brown is required to attend weekly counseling sessions and refrain from possessing a firearm as part of his probation. The case draws attention to Florida's Stand Your Ground law, which permits individuals who believe they face death or serious injury to use deadly force without a duty to retreat.