Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been arrested on an attempted murder charge stemming from a shooting after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police confirmed Thursday.
Brown, 37, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Dubai and was later transported to Essex County, New Jersey. He is currently being held there pending extradition to Miami.
The nature of Brown's apprehension and the duration of his stay in Dubai remain unclear. Social media posts confirm his activity there in recent months.
According to the detailed arrest warrant related to the May 16 shooting, Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security staff member following the boxing match and fired two shots at a man with whom he had previously fought. Victim Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu reported that one bullet grazed his neck.
It is currently unclear if Brown has retained legal representation, and additional information about his return to Miami is pending.
The attempted murder charge, categorized as a second-degree offense, carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000 upon conviction.
Throughout his 12-year NFL career, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers before a final stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown registered 928 receptions, over 12,000 receiving yards, and 83 touchdowns. However, his tenure has been marred by a series of legal issues, including domestic violence allegations and other personal controversies.
In a notable incident during a 2021 game against the New York Jets, Brown infamously stripped off his jersey and pads mid-game, effectively signaling the end of his football career.
