Antonio Brown accepts probation in Miami shooting case
The former NFL receiver avoided a 30-year sentence by pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm.
By Meera Fletcher ·
Antonio Brown pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm on Friday in Miami state court. The former NFL wide receiver was sentenced to three years of probation by Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez. The plea resolves the criminal charges related to a shooting incident that occurred earlier this year.
Under the terms of the sentence, Brown must attend weekly counseling sessions. He is also prohibited from possessing a firearm for the duration of the probation. The judge ordered these conditions after Brown spoke in a low voice during the brief hearing. Wearing a black leather jacket and white pants, he addressed the court sparingly before entering his plea.
Outside the courthouse, Brown said he was grateful and wanted to return to his family. His attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, described the outcome as a relief for his client. Eiglarsh noted that Brown faced a potential 30-year prison sentence with a 20-year minimum mandatory term. The lawyer stated that the offer of probation was too good to refuse. He said the pair were extremely grateful that the legal battle was behind them.
The reduced charge allows Brown to avoid both prison time and a permanent criminal conviction. He had originally been charged with attempted murder. Police records indicate that Brown shot a man during a fistfight. The initial incident involved others attempting to steal jewelry from Brown. Florida law permits the use of deadly force if a person believes they face death or serious injury without a duty to retreat.
Brown, 38, spent 12 years in the NFL. He played most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 while playing under quarterback Tom Brady. The following season, Brown removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves to run off the field during a game. The Buccaneers released him after that incident effectively ended his playing career.
Brown has faced other legal issues in recent years. These include accusations of battery against a moving truck driver, domestic violence charges, and failure to pay child support. He was extradited from Dubai in November 2025. An arrest warrant for the attempted murder charge was issued in June 2025 while he was abroad managing business interests.
The case concluded with the acceptance of the plea deal. Brown will now begin his three-year probation period. He is not required to report to jail for the shooting incident. The court proceedings ended with the judge outlining the specific conditions of his release.
