Former Patriots Receiver Antonio Brown Arrested on Attempted Murder Charge
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown was taken into custody on Thursday after police filed an attempted‑murder charge related to a shooting that occurred following a celebrity boxing event in Miami. The 37‑year‑old, who most recently played for the New England Patriots, was arrested at his residence after detectives linked him to the incident.
According to a statement released by the Miami-Dade Police Department, the altercation took place outside the venue shortly after the bout concluded. Authorities said that a firearm was discharged, injuring a bystander, and that surveillance footage placed Brown in the vicinity at the time. The police report indicates that Brown is being held without bail pending a court appearance, and that he will face a standard criminal process for an alleged attempted homicide.
Brown’s career has been marked by both on‑field achievements and off‑field controversies. After being drafted in 2010, he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and led the league in receiving yards in 2015. In recent years, however, he has faced a series of legal and disciplinary issues, including allegations of assault, a high‑profile dispute with a former team, and multiple investigations into his conduct. Those prior incidents have prompted the NFL to place him on the commissioner's exempt list, limiting his participation in league activities.
Legal experts familiar with Florida law note that an attempted‑murder charge carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment, depending on aggravating factors and the outcome of any plea negotiations. Prosecutors have not yet disclosed whether additional charges, such as illegal possession of a firearm, may be filed. Defense attorneys typically advise clients in similar cases to seek a plea deal to reduce the severity of the penalties.
Reactions from the sports community have been muted, with the NFL issuing a brief statement affirming its commitment to due process and player safety. Industry analysts suggest that the case could further impact Brown’s prospects of returning to professional football, given the seriousness of the allegations and the league’s ongoing efforts to address player conduct off the field.
