NewsWPLG Local 10November 6, 2026Miami-Dade County
Former NFL star Antonio Brown pleads guilty to aggravated assault and receives probation for 2025 Miami shooting
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Former NFL player Antonio Brown pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aggravated assault with a firearm on Friday, avoiding a potential 30-year prison sentence. A Miami state judge sentenced him to three years of probation, mandatory weekly counseling, and a firearm prohibition. Prosecutors lowered the charge due to questions about intent and the victim's decision not to cooperate or press charges.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The plea agreement allows a high-profile athlete to avoid a felony conviction and mandatory prison time following a shooting incident, resolving a case that stemmed from an extradition from Dubai.
Key Facts
- Former NFL player Antonio Brown pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated assault with a firearm in a Miami state court.
- Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez sentenced Brown to three years of probation.
- The conditions of Brown's probation include weekly counseling sessions and a prohibition on possessing a firearm.
- Brown initially faced an attempted murder charge carrying up to 30 years in prison with a 20-year minimum mandatory.
- The charge was reduced because prosecutors cited questions about whether Brown intended to shoot the victim, who was walking away.
- The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, was grazed in the neck and stated he would not cooperate with police or press charges.
- The shooting occurred in 2025 outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami following a fistfight.
- Brown was previously extradited in November 2025 from Dubai following an arrest warrant issued in June of the same year.
- Brown spent 12 years in the NFL, playing primarily for the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
Who's Mentioned
PersonAntonio Brown“Former NFL star who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.”PersonHoward Rosen“Prosecutor who discussed reducing the charge.”PersonRichard Cooper“Lawyer representing the victim.”locationNew York“Location from which reporter Marcelo reported.”PersonMark Eiglarsh“Lawyer representing Antonio Brown.”PersonMarcelo“Reporter contributing to the article.”locationMiami“Location of the shooting and court proceedings.”PersonMarisa Tinkler Mendez“Judge who sentenced Antonio Brown.”OrganizationTampa Bay Buccaneers“NFL team Antonio Brown won a Super Bowl with.”OrganizationPittsburgh Steelers“NFL team Antonio Brown played for.”PersonTom Brady“Quarterback who played with Antonio Brown.”locationDubai“Location Antonio Brown was extradited from.”PersonZul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu“The victim in the shooting incident.”