Former American football star Antonio Brown has been taken into custody on a serious attempted murder charge, following an alleged shooting incident in Miami.
The Arrest and Extradition Process
Brown was arrested by US Marshals in Dubai and has been transported to Essex County, New Jersey, where he awaits extradition to Miami. Miami police spokesman Mike Vega confirmed the 37-year-old former athlete is being held pending his transfer to Florida.
The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on 16 May after a celebrity boxing match. According to court documents, Brown allegedly grabbed a handgun from a security staff member and fired two shots at a man he had previously been involved in a physical altercation with.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The victim, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, informed investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck during the confrontation. The shooting followed a fistfight between the two men earlier in the event.
It remains unclear how long Brown had been staying in Dubai, though his social media accounts showed he had been in the Middle Eastern city for several months prior to his arrest. Authorities have not disclosed why the former sports star was initially taken to New Jersey rather than directly to Miami.
Brown's Troubled History and Career
Brown enjoyed a successful 12-year career in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, before finishing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. His professional record includes 928 receptions for more than 12,000 yards and 83 touchdowns.
However, the athlete's career has been marred by numerous legal issues and controversial incidents. These include previous accusations of battery against a moving truck driver, multiple domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support.
Brown's football career effectively ended during a 2021 game when he unexpectedly removed his jersey, shoulder pads and gloves and ran off the field during a match between Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. This incident led to his immediate release from the Buccaneers.
The former wide receiver has also been publicly associated with Donald Trump, having appeared at a campaign rally for the former US president in Latrobe, Pennsylvania last October.
If convicted on the second-degree attempted murder charge, Brown faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It is not yet known when he will be returned to Miami to face the allegations.
