Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has launched a legal bid to have an attempted murder charge against him thrown out, invoking Florida's controversial 'Stand Your Ground' legislation. The motion, filed on behalf of the 37-year-old Super Bowl winner, argues he acted in self-defence during a violent altercation outside a Miami boxing event in May.
The Shooting and the 'Stand Your Ground' Defence
Brown pleaded not guilty last month to a charge of attempted second-degree murder after being extradited from Dubai, where he had remained since the May 16 shooting. He currently faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. The new court filing, submitted by defence attorney Mark Eiglarsh, admits Brown initially fled a brawl with jewellery designer Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu and others, only to return with a concealed firearm.
Eiglarsh contends Brown had no intention of shooting but, fearing for his safety, "fired two warning shots, intentionally aiming away from Nantambu to ensure he would not be struck." The motion states: "Brown hoped the warning shots would deter Nantambu’s aggression, allowing Brown to safely reach his vehicle and leave the scene." This narrative forms the cornerstone of the 'Stand Your Ground' defence, which legalises the use of deadly force in self-defence situations without a duty to retreat.
A Contentious History and Contradictory Claims
The incident stems from a long-running and acrimonious dispute between Brown and Nantambu. Shortly after the shooting, Brown claimed on social media he was defending himself from a would-be jewel thief. Nantambu, who has a lengthy legal history with the ex-NFL star, directly contradicted this, telling the Daily Mail he was the target and actually suffered a minor gunshot wound.
The legal documents reveal a tangled backstory:
- Nantambu sued Brown in Florida in 2022, winning a $968,960 verdict that was later vacated in 2024 before the case was dismissed.
- Nantambu has since pursued a reduced judgement of $123,600 in federal bankruptcy court.
- Both men have accused the other of theft in the past, with claims and counterclaims about stolen jewellery and pendants in Dubai.
The defence motion also references Nantambu's arrest at Super Bowl LIX in February, where he stormed the field waving a Sudanese flag.
Legal Precedent and a Troubled Career
Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law is one of the most prominent in the United States and was famously used in the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Its invocation in Brown's high-profile case will be closely watched.
For Brown, a legendary receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this is the latest in a series of off-field incidents that derailed his professional career. His last NFL appearance was in January 2022, when he infamously argued with coaches, ripped off his pads mid-game against the New York Jets, and walked off the field. He never returned to the league.
The court will now decide whether the 'Stand Your Ground' motion is successful, potentially dismissing the severe charge, or if the case will proceed towards a trial where Brown's freedom hangs in the balance.
