MIAMI – Former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown is planning to accept a plea deal regarding an attempted murder charge in Miami. His lawyer announced that the agreement is too favorable to pass up, avoiding a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Brown is set to appear in court on September 30 to finalize the deal. The plea agreement stems from an incident on May 16, 2025, after a celebrity boxing match, where Brown allegedly fired shots during a confrontation with another individual, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. Reports indicate that one of the bullets grazed Nantambu’s neck.
Mark Eiglarsh, Brown’s defense attorney, stated, “This was not an easy decision. Antonio believes in his innocence and his Stand Your Ground defense. However, when prosecutors presented a deal that significantly reduced his potential sentence, it became a reasonable choice.”
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law permits individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are facing serious harm without having to retreat. This legal context adds complexity to Brown’s case as he defends his actions during the incident.
Richard Cooper, representing Nantambu, expressed satisfaction with the plea deal, stating, “We are satisfied that justice is served. My client maintains that he forgives Brown and will not cooperate with law enforcement. We wish Mr. Brown good health and that he grows from this event.” Nantambu’s decision to forgive Brown came after deep reflection and discussions with his family and legal counsel.
Brown has publicly stated on social media that he was defending himself from an attack and that there were attempts to steal jewelry from him during the altercation.
Antonio Brown, 38, enjoyed a prestigious 12-year career in the NFL, known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. He recorded 928 receptions, amassed over 12,000 receiving yards, and scored a total of 88 touchdowns throughout his career.
However, his life off the field has been marred by various legal troubles. Brown was extradited from Dubai in November 2025 after an arrest warrant was issued. His past includes accusations of battery, domestic violence, and other incidents, which have contributed to a tumultuous public image. One notable incident occurred during a game where he famously left the field mid-game, which led to his release from the Buccaneers.
In a separate legal matter, Nantambu was found guilty earlier this year of a misdemeanor charge after disrupting a Super Bowl halftime performance. This incident adds further layers to the public narratives surrounding both individuals.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has not commented on the situation, but spokesperson Ed Griffith mentioned that more details would be clarified at the upcoming court hearing.
As this case progresses, it highlights not only the complexities of the legal system but also the challenges faced by public figures in their personal lives.
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Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
