Former American football star Antonio Brown is confronting the possibility of three decades behind bars following an alleged shooting incident in Miami, with a prosecutor outlining the severe penalties he now faces.
The Court Hearing and Potential Sentence
During a brief arraignment hearing held at Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Monday, 17th November 2025, the legal stakes for the ex-NFL wide receiver became starkly clear. Brown appeared via video link as Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Cruz addressed the court.
Cruz stated that while an attempted murder charge in Florida typically carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, the situation is drastically different in Brown's case. She explained that because a firearm was allegedly used, a sentencing enhancement could be applied, doubling the potential prison term to 30 years.
The prosecutor further detailed that the law also stipulates a potential 20-year minimum mandatory sentence upon conviction, ensuring a lengthy prison stay if Brown is found guilty.
Case Details and Defence Arguments
The charges stem from an incident on 16th May following a celebrity boxing match in Miami. According to an arrest warrant, Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at a man, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, with whom he had earlier been involved in a fistfight.
Nantambu informed investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck.
Brown's defence, led by attorney Mark Eiglarsh, has entered a not guilty plea. Eiglarsh has previously contested the arrest affidavit, claiming it contains inaccuracies. He asserts that Brown used his personal firearm and that the shots were not aimed at anyone.
Brown himself has taken to social media to claim he was acting in self-defence against an attack and that individuals were attempting to steal his jewellery.
Ongoing Legal Process and Background
Brown was released from jail last week after posting a $25,000 bond and is required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Judge Marisa Tinkler-Mendez has tentatively scheduled the next status hearing for 22nd December, though no trial date has been set.
The former athlete was extradited to Florida last week from Dubai, where he maintains business interests, after an arrest warrant on the attempted murder charge was issued in June.
Antonio Brown enjoyed a successful 12-year career in the NFL, earning All-Pro honours and winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. He is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, retiring with impressive career statistics including 928 receptions for over 12,000 yards and 88 total touchdowns.
