Former NFL superstar Antonio Brown appeared in a Florida court on Friday, where a judge granted him permission to travel for business while he continues to contest a serious attempted murder charge.
Judge Approves Travel Motion Despite Flight Risk Concerns
The hearing centred on a defence motion requesting that Brown be allowed to travel to Tampa for what his legal team described as pre-scheduled business arrangements. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez approved the motion, permitting the removal of his GPS monitor for the duration of the trip, despite objections from the state.
Prosecutors had argued Brown was a significant flight risk, citing his previous decision to travel to Dubai following the alleged shooting incident in May. However, the judge ruled in his favour. The two-page court filing stated Brown intends to fulfil engagements with Energetic Exotic, a luxury car rental firm, and attend prearranged music studio sessions.
The Underlying Allegations and "Stand Your Ground" Defence
Brown faces a potential 30-year prison sentence if convicted of attempted murder. The charge stems from an incident on May 16 outside a Miami boxing event, where viral footage appeared to show Brown running towards a brawl with a firearm.
His defence, led by attorney Mark Eiglarsh, has filed a motion to dismiss the charge based on Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law. In a December filing, Eiglarsh admitted his client retrieved a concealed firearm but claimed Brown fired two warning shots away from the alleged victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, out of fear for his safety.
Brown, a Super Bowl winner, has claimed he was defending himself from a would-be jewel thief. Nantambu, a jewellery designer with a prior legal history with Brown, contradicts this. He told the Daily Mail he was attacked by Brown's security and that a bullet grazed his neck during the altercation.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Next Steps
After the May incident, Brown was questioned by police and released, only for an arrest warrant to be issued in June while he was in Dubai. He was later extradited to the US and pleaded not guilty in November.
The defence motion also accuses Nantambu of stealing Brown's firearm and references an alleged prior attack on Brown in 2023. Nantambu did not respond to requests for comment on these new claims. The court's decision to allow travel indicates the legal process is ongoing, with Brown's team vigorously challenging the prosecution's case as they prepare for future hearings.
