Antonio Brown Sentenced to Three Years of Probation for 2025 Miami Shooting

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown avoided prison and a criminal conviction on Friday when he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm. The plea resolves a case stemming from a shooting in 2025 outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez sentenced Brown to three years of probation during a brief hearing in Miami state court.

Wearing a black leather jacket and white pants, Brown spoke in a low voice during the proceedings. The judge asked him to project his voice as he entered his plea. Outside the courtroom, the 38-year-old thanked God and said he wanted to get back to life and his family.

Brown’s lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh, told reporters that the legal team was extremely grateful the matter was concluded. Eiglarsh noted that Brown had faced a potential 30-year prison sentence with a 20-year minimum mandatory term. He described the probation deal as an offer his client could not refuse, adding that both men were excited about the outcome.

The reduced charge stems from an incident where police say Brown grabbed a handgun from a security staffer and fired two shots at a man he had been fighting with earlier. Brown was initially charged with attempted murder. He maintained that he was defending himself while others attempted to steal jewelry from him. Florida’s Stand Your Ground law allows individuals who believe they face death or serious injury to use deadly force without a duty to retreat.

Prosecutor Howard Rosen explained the decision to reduce the charge in court. He stated there was a question about whether Brown was actually attempting to shoot the victim, who was walking away from the altercation when the shots were fired. Rosen noted that the victim, who was grazed in the neck, was present for the hearing and has publicly said he would not cooperate with police or press charges.

Rosen said the defense and the state decided the agreement was in the best interest of all parties. He argued that this approach allowed Brown to receive therapeutic treatment rather than having the entire case disappear. The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, has previously said he forgave Brown.

Richard Cooper, the victim’s lawyer, said in a statement that he was grateful to the court for ratifying the agreement. Cooper added that his client wished Brown healing and a path closer to God.

Brown spent 12 years in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 under quarterback Tom Brady. The following season, Brown removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves and ran off the field during a game. The Buccaneers released him after that incident.

Brown has faced other legal issues in recent years, including accusations of battery on a truck driver, domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support. He was extradited from Dubai in November 2025, where he holds business interests, after an arrest warrant was issued in June of that year.

The probation terms require Brown to attend weekly counseling sessions and refrain from possessing a firearm.