Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown could spend three decades in prison if he is found guilty of attempted murder in a Miami gunfire incident earlier this year, according to prosecutors.
Brown, 37, appeared remotely for an arraignment in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Monday, where his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, reiterated that the former athlete has already entered a not guilty plea. Brown was released from jail last week after posting a $25,000 bond and is required to wear a GPS ankle monitor while the case proceeds.
Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Cruz told the court that Florida’s firearm-sentencing enhancement could significantly increase the potential punishment if Brown is convicted of using a gun during the alleged offense. Under Florida law, attempted murder typically carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, but the enhancement could raise the maximum to 30 years and trigger a mandatory minimum of 20 years.
Judge Marisa Tinkler-Mendez scheduled a tentative status hearing for Dec. 22. A trial date has not been set.
The charges stem from a May 16 incident following a celebrity boxing event in Miami. According to an arrest warrant, Brown is accused of seizing a handgun from a member of the event’s security team and firing two rounds toward a man identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, with whom he had reportedly fought earlier that night. Investigators said one bullet grazed the man’s neck.
Brown’s attorney said in a previous hearing that the affidavit misstates key details, asserting that Brown discharged his own personal firearm and did not aim at anyone. The former NFL player has also claimed on social media that he acted in self-defense, alleging that individuals tried to assault him and steal jewelry.
The warrant for Brown’s arrest was issued in June. Authorities said he was extradited from Dubai last week, where he had been staying for business purposes, after the United States requested his return.
Brown spent 12 seasons in the NFL, which included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was widely regarded as one of the league’s top receivers during his career, earning multiple All-Pro selections and winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay alongside quarterback Tom Brady. He last played in 2021, finishing his career with 928 receptions, more than 12,000 receiving yards, and 88 total touchdowns, including punt returns and one passing score.
Prosecutors have not announced when they expect to bring the case to trial, and Brown remains free under bond conditions as the investigation continues.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
