Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, 37, has been arrested on an attempted murder charge following a shooting incident that occurred after a celebrity boxing event in Miami. Miami police spokesperson Mike Vega confirmed that Brown was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He was subsequently flown to Essex County, New Jersey, where he remains in custody pending extradition to Miami. Authorities have not clarified why Brown was transported to New Jersey first or how long he had been residing in Dubai, though his recent social media activity suggests he had been there for several months.
Shooting Incident After Miami Boxing Match Leaves Victim Injured and Brown Defending Actions Online
According to an arrest warrant, the incident occurred on May 16, when Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security guard following the boxing match and fired two shots at a man identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. The confrontation reportedly followed a physical altercation between the two earlier in the evening. Nantambu told investigators that one bullet grazed his neck but did not cause life-threatening injuries. Video footage posted on social media showed Brown in a fight at the event, followed by audible gunshots.
Antonio Brown (NFL)Police initially detained Brown for questioning immediately after the gunfire, but released him a few hours later. Brown later posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), claiming he was attacked by several individuals attempting to steal his jewelry. He insisted that police only detained him temporarily to hear his account and that he went home the same night. Brown also indicated plans to pursue legal action against those he accused of assaulting him.
Brown Faces Extradition and Possible 15-Year Sentence Amid Ongoing Legal and Career Turmoil
A warrant for Brown’s arrest was officially issued on June 11, nearly a month after the shooting. Authorities have not yet confirmed when Brown will be extradited to Miami to face charges. The second-degree attempted murder charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. It remains unclear whether Brown has retained legal representation at this stage of the proceedings.
Antonio Brown, once one of the NFL’s most talented wide receivers, played 12 seasons in the league primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers before brief stints with other teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. Over his career, Brown amassed 928 receptions, 12,000-plus yards, and 83 touchdowns.
However, his off-field behavior often overshadowed his athletic achievements. Brown has faced multiple legal issues in the past, including charges of battery, domestic violence, and failure to pay child support. His football career effectively ended after a dramatic on-field exit during a 2021 game against the New York Jets.
