Former NFL star Antonio Brown has formally pleaded not guilty to a second-degree attempted murder charge after a courtroom appearance via Zoom on Monday.
The arraignment comes after Brown was accused of firing shots at another man during a chaotic scene outside a Miami boxing event in May.
If convicted, Brown could face up to 30 years in prison.
Virtual Arraignment and Court Dates
Brown and his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, appeared separately via video call to submit the plea, with the judge setting the next status hearing for December 22.
Last Wednesday, Brown—who wore a red prison jumpsuit during a prior hearing—was granted a $25,000 bond.
Instead of remaining in jail, he is under level three house arrest, which permits him to work without a curfew but requires him to wear an electronic monitor.
Judge Mindy S. Glazer noted the risk of flight but allowed Brown limited freedom.
The NFL star thanked the court and is expected back in December for further proceedings.
Brown’s Extradition from Dubai
Brown had been in Dubai since the incident before returning to Florida, where authorities issued an arrest warrant on a second-degree murder charge in June.
Upon arrival, he was taken into US Marshals custody and briefly placed in an isolated cell at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center for his own safety.
Claims of Self-Defense
Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, insists the former Buccaneers wide receiver acted in self-defense.
“He was attacked that night and acted within his legal right to protect himself,” Eiglarsh said in a statement.
The lawyer emphasized that Brown faced a violent encounter with an individual who had previously caused him legal troubles.
Footage from the Boxing Event
Video from the fight night, hosted by influencer Adin Ross at Miami’s Brand Risk Warehouse, shows Brown involved in a brawl with multiple men.
According to Brown, the group attempted to steal his jewelry and physically harm him, prompting him to brandish a firearm before shots were fired.
Contested Accounts
Zul-Qarnaîn Nantambu, the alleged target, claims Brown was the aggressor.
Nantambu alleges the shooting relates to a prior legal dispute over a pendant he designed, which he says Brown stole in Dubai in 2022.
Nantambu claimed this theft led to his brief imprisonment in the UAE.
In 2022, Nantambu won a nearly $969,000 verdict against Brown in Florida, later vacated in 2024. He has since sought a reduced federal bankruptcy judgment of $123,600, which Brown continues to dispute.
The Road Ahead
Brown is currently out on house arrest and must seek court approval for any travel.
The next status hearing on December 22 will determine the progress of his case, with the trial by jury still pending.
Meanwhile, public and media attention remains high on the former Super Bowl champion, whose legal challenges continue to make headlines.
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