Antonio Brown, a former NFL standout, has been apprehended on charges of attempted murder linked to a shooting incident that followed a celebrity boxing match in Miami, as confirmed by authorities on Thursday.
According to Mike Vega, a spokesperson for the Miami police, the 37-year-old Brown was detained by U.S. Marshals in Dubai. Subsequently, he was transported to Essex County, New Jersey, where he awaits extradition back to Miami.
Details on why Brown was initially taken to New Jersey or the duration of his stay in Dubai remain unclear, though he has been active on social media from the location in recent months.
The arrest warrant, referencing the incident on May 16, accuses Brown of seizing a firearm from a security guard and discharging it twice at a man with whom he had a previous altercation. The alleged victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, informed investigators that one of the shots grazed his neck.
Court documents do not indicate if Brown has legal representation, nor is it clear when he will be relocated to Miami.
If convicted of second-degree attempted murder, Brown could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a possible fine of $10,000.
Brown, who spent 12 years in the NFL, was an All-Pro wide receiver who last played in 2021 for Tampa Bay but spent most of his career with Pittsburgh. For his career, Brown had 928 receptions for more than 12,000 yards and 83 touchdowns.
Brown has dealt with several legal problems over the years. He previously had been accused of battery of a moving truck driver, several domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support and other incidents. During a 2021 game with Tampa Bay against the New York Jets, Brown took off his jersey, shoulder pads and gloves and ran off the field, leading to his release by the Buccaneers and effectively ending his football career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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