Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown arrested on attempted murder charge
Former NFL star Antonio Brown was arrested for attempted murder following a shooting after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police confirmed Thursday.
Miami police spokesman Mike Vega said Brown, 37, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was flown to Essex County, New Jersey, where he is being held pending extradition to Miami, Vega said.
It’s unclear why Brown was taken to New Jersey first or how long he had been in Dubai, although he has posted several messages on social media in recent months.
According to an arrest warrant detailing the May 16 shooting, Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security guard after the boxing match and firing two shots at a man he had fought with earlier. The man, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators one of the bullets grazed his neck.
It is unclear from court documents whether Brown has an attorney.
Police initially arrested him after shots were fired at the event. Brown was seen fighting with several people on video posted to social media, and gunshots could clearly be heard following the altercation. Police released Brown after a few hours, and he posted an explanation on social media the next day.
“I was attacked by several individuals who attempted to steal my jewelry and physically harm me,” he wrote on his X account. “Contrary to some videos circulating, the police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. attacked.”
A warrant for Brown’s arrest for attempted murder was issued on June 11.
It was not immediately clear when Brown might be returned to Miami.
An attempted second-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Brown, who spent 12 years in the NFL, was an All-Pro receiver who last played in 2021 for Tampa Bay but spent most of his career with Pittsburgh. During his career, Brown made 928 receptions for over 12,000 yards and 83 touchdowns.
Brown has faced various legal issues over the years. He had previously been charged with battery on a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support and other incidents. During a 2021 game with Tampa Bay against the New York Jets, Brown took off his jersey, shoulder pads and gloves and ran off the field, leading to his release by the Buccaneers and ending his football career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
