Former NFL star Antonio Brown pleaded guilty Friday, November 6, to aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with a May 2025 shooting outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami, Florida. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez sentenced the 38-year-old to three years of probation, allowing him to avoid prison despite initially facing an attempted murder charge.

Under the terms of the agreement, Brown must attend weekly counseling sessions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He could also seek early termination of his probation after serving approximately half the sentence, provided he has complied with all court-ordered conditions. The arrangement allows Brown to avoid a criminal conviction if he successfully completes probation.

Brown initially faced an attempted murder charge after police accused him of taking a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at a man with whom he had been involved in a physical altercation earlier that evening. The incident occurred after a celebrity boxing event hosted by online streamer Adin Ross in May 2025.

Brown maintained that he acted in self-defense, claiming he was being attacked by several people who were attempting to steal his jewelry. His defense cited Florida's Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals who reasonably believe they face imminent death or serious bodily injury to use deadly force without a duty to retreat.

The original charge carried the possibility of decades in prison because of firearm-related sentencing enhancements. Prosecutors previously indicated Brown could face up to 30 years if convicted. The reduced charge and probation sentence represent a significant departure from the potential punishment he initially faced.

Outside the courtroom Friday, Brown said he wanted to return to his life and family. His attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, said they were extremely grateful the case had been resolved, noting that Brown had faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.

Brown was arrested in Dubai in November 2025 after authorities issued a warrant in connection with the shooting. He was subsequently extradited to the United States and transferred to Miami to face the charges.

Brown played 12 seasons in the NFL, spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he established himself as one of the league's leading wide receivers. He later joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won Super Bowl LV in February 2021 alongside quarterback Tom Brady.

His NFL career effectively ended during the following season when he abruptly removed his jersey, shoulder pads, and gloves and left the field during a game against the New York Jets in January 2022. Tampa Bay released him shortly afterward.

Brown has also faced a series of legal and personal controversies since leaving professional football, including allegations of battery involving a moving truck driver, domestic violence-related charges and disputes over unpaid child support. Friday's plea agreement resolves the criminal case stemming from the Miami shooting.