Former NFL star Antonio Brown is making headlines again, but this time for reasons far removed from his on-field heroics. A warrant has been issued for Brown’s arrest in Miami-Dade County on a charge of attempted murder with a firearm, stemming from a violent incident at a celebrity boxing event in May 2025. This development adds another chapter to Brown’s tumultuous post-NFL career, raising questions about his behavior and the consequences of his actions.
The Incident: What Happened?
On the night of May 16, 2025, chaos erupted outside a boxing event hosted by streamer Adin Ross in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. According to a warrant obtained by The Washington Post, police responded to reports of gunshots shortly before midnight. An off-duty officer working security at the event reported observing Brown engaged in a physical altercation with another individual.
Cellphone footage allegedly captured Brown punching a man, then taking a security officer’s gun and pursuing the individual he had fought. The warrant claims Brown fired two shots toward the victim as he approached. Several days later, the victim told detectives that after the initial fight was broken up, Brown ran toward him with a firearm and shot twice. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the severity of the incident has led to serious legal repercussions.
The warrant, signed by a judge on June 11, 2025, mandates a $10,000 bond and house arrest for Brown pending trial. As of June 12, 2025, authorities are actively searching for the former wide receiver, who has not yet been apprehended.
Brown’s Side of the Story
Following the May incident, Brown took to social media to share his perspective, claiming he was the victim of an attempted robbery. In posts on X, he alleged that multiple individuals tried to steal his jewelry and physically harm him. Brown stated he was “jumped” and acted in self-defense, even suggesting he might press charges against his assailants. He also noted that police briefly detained him but released him after hearing his side of the story, and no arrests were made at the time.
However, one individual involved in the altercation, Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu, offered a conflicting account. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Nantambu claimed he was shot in the neck during the confrontation, narrowly escaping death. He alleged the dispute centered on a valuable pendant, accusing Brown of trying to take the jewelry without returning it. Nantambu’s account paints Brown as the aggressor, adding complexity to the narrative.
A Pattern of Controversy
Antonio Brown, 36, was once one of the NFL’s most electrifying talents, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His career, however, has been overshadowed by off-field issues. From his abrupt departures from the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots to his infamous exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021—where he stripped off his jersey and left the field mid-game—Brown’s behavior has often sparked controversy.
Brown has also faced legal troubles in South Florida, including arrests for failing to pay child support and an altercation with a moving truck driver, for which he received probation. During a livestream with Adin Ross after the May incident, Brown referenced Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, saying, “I got CTE, I blacked out.” While some dismissed the comment as a joke, it has fueled speculation about whether brain injuries from his football career could be influencing his actions.
The Bigger Picture
This latest incident raises broader questions about Brown’s mental health, the pressures of fame, and the long-term effects of a career in a violent sport like football. CTE, which can only be diagnosed posthumously, has been linked to impulsivity, aggression, and poor decision-making in former athletes. While Brown’s comment about CTE may have been flippant, it underscores the need for better support systems for retired players grappling with the physical and psychological toll of their careers.
Moreover, the incident highlights the volatile environment that can surround celebrity events. The boxing event, promoted by Adin Ross’s Brand Risk Promotions, drew significant attention on social media, with videos of the brawl going viral. The presence of firearms and the rapid escalation of violence serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such gatherings.
What’s Next?
As authorities search for Antonio Brown, the attempted murder charge marks a critical juncture in his post-NFL life. If convicted, Brown could face significant prison time, further derailing a legacy once defined by his extraordinary athletic achievements. For now, efforts to reach Brown have been unsuccessful, and it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
The case also puts a spotlight on the legal system’s handling of high-profile figures. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has declined to comment, and the investigation is ongoing. As more details emerge, the public will likely gain a clearer picture of what transpired that night in Miami.
Final Thoughts
Antonio Brown’s fall from NFL stardom to facing an attempted murder charge is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Whether he is ultimately found guilty or innocent, this incident underscores the challenges he faces in navigating life after football. For fans who once cheered his dazzling catches, the news is a stark contrast to the player they admired. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on Miami to see what justice—and what future—awaits Antonio Brown.
Flip the pages for video of the shooting.
