NFL

Antonio Brown Plea Hearing Postponed in Attempted Murder Case

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 30, 2026, 20:15 IST

A Miami court has delayed the hearing for former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, who was set to enter a plea deal to avoid prison time regarding an attempted murder charge from May 2025.

Antonio Brown Plea Hearing Postponed in Attempted Murder Case

The legal proceedings for former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown hit a delay on Wednesday after a Miami judge postponed a hearing where the 38-year-old was expected to finalize a plea deal. Brown, who faced an attempted murder charge, had arrived at the courthouse prepared to enter a plea of no contest to a charge of aggravated assault, a move intended to secure a sentence of probation and avoid potential prison time.

However, the presiding judge indicated that she was currently occupied with another trial and unable to proceed with the agreement. As a result, the hearing has been rescheduled for October 28. Brown’s defense attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, expressed disappointment regarding the delay, noting that his client remains subject to an ankle monitor and is eager to reach a resolution in the matter.

Details of the Case and Legal Context

The charges stem from an incident on May 16, 2025, following a celebrity boxing match in Miami. According to an arrest warrant, Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security staffer and fired two shots at a man, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, following a physical altercation. Investigators reported that Nantambu sustained a graze wound to his neck during the encounter. Brown has previously asserted on social media that he acted in self-defense, citing Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, claiming he was being attacked and that individuals were attempting to steal his jewelry.

Despite the severity of the original attempted murder charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, the proposed plea deal would allow Brown to avoid a felony conviction. Richard Cooper, an attorney representing Nantambu, has publicly stated that his client forgives Brown and does not intend to cooperate with law enforcement, describing the proposed plea agreement as a fair outcome.

Career Background and Legal History

Brown enjoyed a notable 12-year career in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors and securing a Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside Tom Brady. Over his tenure, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded 928 receptions for over 12,000 yards and 88 total touchdowns. His professional career concluded abruptly in 2021 after he left the field mid-game during a contest against the New York Jets, leading to his release from the Buccaneers.

The former wide receiver has faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career and post-football life. These include allegations of battery, domestic violence, and issues related to child support. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant in June 2025, Brown was eventually extradited from Dubai, where he maintains business interests, to face the current charges in Florida.