MIAMI — The plea agreement reduces the charge from attempted second-degree murder to aggravated assault. The plea agreement does not include prison time, jail time, or house arrest.

Brown will receive a withholding of adjudication, meaning he will not be labeled a convicted felon. He will receive three years of probation with the possibility of early termination after serving half the term.

The plea agreement requires Brown to stay away from the alleged victim. The plea agreement does not require drug or alcohol monitoring, psychological testing, community service, fines, or a letter of apology.

Attorney Mark Eiglarsh stated that prosecutors made Brown an offer he could not refuse. He said there is a profound difference between believing you can win a case and deciding that you and your family cannot afford to spend another year, or potentially several years, wearing an ankle monitor and fighting it.

He added that this was not an easy decision and that Antonio Brown believes in his innocence, strongly believes in his Stand Your Ground defense, and believes he would ultimately prevail at trial.

Eiglarsh explained that the decision was driven by financial and personal considerations rather than an admission of guilt. He said Brown is not accepting this agreement because he suddenly agrees with the State's allegations, noting that Brown has eight children who depend upon him and that every additional day this case remains unresolved creates extraordinary obstacles for him in securing endorsement opportunities and other business opportunities necessary to support his family.

Nantambu's attorney, Richard Cooper, stated that Nantambu forgives Brown and will not cooperate with law enforcement in the prosecution. Cooper said they believe that the ends of justice are accomplished with this plea deal and that his client wishes Mr Brown good health.

A conviction for the original charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Brown was charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm.

Why It Matters

The resolution of the case avoids a lengthy trial and the potential for a decades-long prison sentence. The original charges carried a mandatory minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. The plea deal allows Brown to avoid a felony conviction and incarceration while imposing probation and a no-contact order.

The victim's decision not to cooperate with the prosecution influenced the outcome. Nantambu's attorney confirmed that his client forgives Brown. This development aligns with the defense's assertion that the legal battle had become financially unsustainable for Brown, who supports eight children.

Timeline

Brown's NFL career ended after he removed his jersey and left the field during a game against the New York Jets in 2021. The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami. Prosecutors allege Brown grabbed a handgun from a security guard and fired shots at Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu on that date. One of the bullets fired by Brown reportedly grazed Nantambu's neck.

An arrest warrant for Brown was issued in June 2025. Brown is scheduled to appear in court on September 30 to formally accept the plea deal.

What's New

Additional reporting clarifies that Brown was charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm.

Attorney Mark Eiglarsh provided further context on the decision, stating there is a profound difference between believing you can win a case and deciding that you and your family cannot afford to spend another year, or potentially several years, wearing an ankle monitor and fighting it. He added that Antonio Brown believes in his innocence, strongly believes in his Stand Your Ground defense, and believes he would ultimately prevail at trial. Eiglarsh also noted that this was not an easy decision and clarified that Brown is not accepting this agreement because he suddenly agrees with the State's allegations. Richard Cooper, representing the victim, stated that they believe that the ends of justice are accomplished with this plea deal and that his client wishes Mr Brown good health.