Antonio Brown gets 3-year probation for 2025 Miami shooting
The former NFL wide receiver pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm, avoiding a mandatory 20-year minimum prison sentence.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown entered a guilty plea Friday to a reduced charge in a 2025 shooting outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez sentenced Brown to three years of probation in Miami state court, ending a legal case that began with an attempted murder charge.
The timeline of Brown's legal trouble began in June 2025 when an arrest warrant was issued for the attempted murder. Police reports state that Brown grabbed a handgun from a security staffer at the event and fired two shots at a man with whom he had recently fought. Brown was later extradited from Dubai, where he holds business interests, in November 2025. He maintained that he was defending himself against an attack while others attempted to steal his jewelry. Florida's Stand Your Ground law permits the use of deadly force when a person believes they face death or serious injury, provided there is no duty to retreat.
During the brief proceedings, Brown wore a black leather jacket and white pants. He spoke in a low voice, prompting the judge to ask him to project his voice as he entered the plea. Outside the courtroom, Brown thanked God and said he wanted to return to his family. His attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, described the outcome as favorable for the 38-year-old former All-Pro.
Eiglarsh stated that Brown was facing 30 years in prison with a 20-year mandatory minimum. The lawyer said the defense was "extremely grateful" the case was resolved. Eiglarsh noted that probation was "too good to turn down" and that both he and Brown were excited about the outcome.
The guilty plea to the reduced charge of aggravated assault with a firearm allows Brown to avoid both prison time and a criminal conviction. Under the terms of the three-year probation, Brown must attend weekly counseling sessions and refrain from possessing a firearm.
Brown spent 12 years in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 under quarterback Tom Brady. His career ended the following season when he removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves and ran off the field during a game. The Buccaneers released him after that incident.
Brown has faced other legal issues in recent years, including accusations of battery on a moving truck driver, several domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support.
