Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown was formally arraigned on Tuesday, and a prosecutor explained how the charges levied against him could cause him to spend more than 30 years in jail.
Brown is charged with attempted murder, a charge that carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence in the state of Florida.
On Tuesday, Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Cruz noted that Brown's sentence could be doubled because he allegedly used a gun. Florida state law also carries a mandatory 20-year sentence for the charge upon conviction.
What Happened to Brown in Miami?
The former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver allegedly grabbed a handgun from a security officer to shoot a man he fought at a celebrity boxing event in Miami. The incident took place in mid-May, and a man at the scene told investigators that he had been grazed by a bullet.
Brown's attorney Mark Eiglarsh said at a prior hearing that his client used his own firearm, and that the shots were not aimed at one specific person. Brown says that he was defending himself, and that people were attempting to rob him.
Brown's arraignment comes after he was arrested by U.S. Marshals earlier this month in Dubai. He was flown to New Jersey and eventually extradited to Florida, where his arraignment was held virtually.
Brown's NFL History and Legal Future
Brown spent 12 years in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a five-time All-Pro, was selected to seven Pro Bowls, and led the league in both receptions and receiving yards in two different seasons. He left the Steelers in a highly-publicized spat with head coach Mike Tomlin, but seemed to find a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brown won the only Super Bowl title of his career with Tampa Bay, but a bizarre on-field incident the following season ended his tenure with the team. He hasn't played in the NFL since the incident.
Since his NFL career effectively ended after the 2021 season, Brown has had significant legal issues. He has been accused of failure to pay child support, domestic violence, indecent exposure and battery, among other charges.
No trial date has been set for Brown, but Judge Marisa Tinkler-Mendez has set a status hearing with a temporary date of December 22nd.
This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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