Former NFL Star Faces Serious Charges After Miami Altercation
Antonio Brown, the former All-Pro wide receiver, has been granted bail and ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor after being charged with attempted murder in Florida. The 37-year-old ex-NFL star appeared via video link for a bond hearing on Wednesday, where Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer set his bail at $25,000.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to court documents, the incident occurred on 16 May following a celebrity boxing match in Miami. An arrest warrant states that Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at a man, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, with whom he had been involved in a fistfight earlier. The victim reported to investigators that one bullet grazed his neck.
However, Brown's attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, presented a different account during the hearing. He stated that the affidavit contained errors and clarified that Brown used his personal firearm and that the shots were not aimed at anyone. Eiglarsh told the court, "It was my client's own gun."
Bail Conditions and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors had argued for pretrial detention, citing Brown's financial resources and status as a former high-paid athlete, which they claimed made him a flight risk. The judge ruled against this, ordering Brown's release under specific conditions. He must surrender his passport, reside at his home in Broward County, Florida, and wear a GPS monitoring device while the case proceeds.
Brown has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree attempted murder charge. If convicted, he faces a potential 15-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. His lawyer emphasised Brown's intention to cooperate, stating, "He didn't flee to Dubai. He always had a desire and intention to answer this case."
In social media posts following the altercation, Brown claimed he was acting in self-defence, stating he was "jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me." Eiglarsh also mentioned that Brown has business interests in Dubai but always planned to return to face the charges.
Antonio Brown's NFL Career
Antonio Brown enjoyed a successful 12-year career in the NFL. He last played in 2021 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent the majority of his career. His impressive statistics include 928 receptions for over 12,000 yards and 88 total touchdowns, encompassing punt returns and one passing touchdown.
