Antonio Brown Sentenced: Ex-NFL Star Gets 3 Years Probation in Miami Shooting

Antonio Brown walked out of Miami state court on Friday without facing jail time for a 2025 shooting. The former NFL star pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm, a decision that ends his legal battle over an incident outside a celebrity boxing match.

Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez handed down a sentence of three years of probation. Brown must attend weekly counseling sessions and cannot possess a firearm while under these terms. The plea deal spares the 38-year-old a prison sentence and a criminal conviction.

The incident began with a fistfight at the event. Brown claimed he grabbed a handgun from a security staffer to defend himself against an attacker who was also trying to steal his jewelry. Police said he fired two shots at a man he had been fighting.

Brown initially faced an attempted murder charge. That charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, with a maximum of 30. The reduction to aggravated assault allowed his legal team to negotiate probation instead of incarceration.

Mark Eiglarsh, Brown's attorney, called the resolution a relief. He said the prosecutors offered to reduce the charge and allow Brown to serve probation without a conviction. Eiglarsh noted that given the high stakes of the original charge, his clients could not refuse the offer.

Brown spoke in a low voice during the brief court proceedings. He wore a black leather jacket and white pants. When the judge asked him to speak up, he complied. Outside the courtroom, Brown thanked God and said he wanted to return to his life and family.

Prosecutor Howard Rosen explained the state's reasoning for the reduced charge. Rosen said there was a question about whether Brown intended to shoot the victim. The victim had been walking away from the altercation when the shots were fired. Rosen noted the victim was present in court and had publicly stated he would not cooperate with police or press charges.

The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, was grazed in the neck. He has previously said he has forgiven Brown. His lawyer, Richard Cooper, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the sentencing.

Brown's legal troubles have spanned recent years. He faced charges for battery on a truck driver, domestic violence, and failure to pay child support. He was extradited from Dubai in November 2025 after an arrest warrant was issued in June of that year.

Brown played 12 seasons in the NFL, spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. The following season, he removed his equipment and left the field during a game, leading to his release by the team.