Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, 37, was arrested in Dubai by U.S. Marshals and flown to Essex County, N.J., as he awaits extradition to Miami on a second‑degree attempted murder charge tied to a May 16 shooting after a celebrity boxing event. An arrest warrant alleges he grabbed a security staffer’s handgun and fired two shots, one grazing the victim’s neck. It is unclear whether Brown has retained an attorney or when he will be returned to Miami. A conviction could carry up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Antonio Brown Arrested in Dubai, Faces Second‑Degree Attempted Murder Charge After Miami Boxing‑Event Shooting
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, 37, was arrested in Dubai by U.S. Marshals and flown to Essex County, N.J., as he awaits extradition to Miami on a second‑degree attempted murder charge tied to a May 16 shooting after a celebrity boxing event. An arrest warrant alleges he grabbed a security staffer’s handgun and fired two shots, one grazing the victim’s neck. It is unclear whether Brown has retained an attorney or when he will be returned to Miami. A conviction could carry up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
10:36, 07.11.2025Society
Former NFL Star Arrested Abroad, Awaiting Extradition to Miami
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, 37, has been arrested on a second‑degree attempted murder charge tied to a May 16 shooting that occurred after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police said Thursday.
Miami Police spokesman Mike Vega said Brown was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Dubai and flown to Essex County, New Jersey, where he is being held pending extradition to Miami. Authorities did not immediately explain why he was transported first to New Jersey or how long he had been in Dubai; Brown has posted on social media from Dubai in recent months.
Allegations in the Arrest Warrant
According to an arrest warrant, Brown allegedly grabbed a handgun from a member of security after the boxing match and fired two shots at a man with whom he had earlier been involved in a physical altercation. The alleged victim, identified as Zul‑Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators that one bullet grazed his neck.
Court records did not indicate whether Brown has retained counsel, and it was not immediately clear when he will be returned to Miami to face charges.
Possible Penalties and Background
A conviction on a second‑degree attempted murder charge in Florida carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Brown played 12 seasons in the NFL and was an All‑Pro wide receiver who last appeared in a game in 2021 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after a long tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished his career with 928 receptions for more than 12,000 yards and 83 touchdowns.
Prior Legal Issues
Brown has faced multiple legal problems over the years, including accusations related to battery of a moving truck driver, several domestic violence allegations, and failure to pay child support. In 2021, during a game against the New York Jets, Brown removed his jersey, shoulder pads and gloves and ran off the field; the Buccaneers released him shortly afterward.
Note: Charges are allegations, and Brown is presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.