Antonio Brown Faces Serious Charges

Former NFL player Antonio Brown could face a lengthy prison sentence—up to 30 years—if found guilty of attempted murder with a firearm, according to prosecutors who made the announcement on Monday.

Brown participated in his arraignment via video link in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. His attorney, Mark Eiglash, confirmed that Brown has pleaded not guilty. After being released on bail set at $25,000 last week, Brown is now required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

Typically, an attempted murder charge carries a maximum of 15 years. However, Assistant State’s Attorney Stephanie Cruz indicated that because of the firearm involvement, the potential sentence could be effectively doubled. There’s also a minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted.

The 37-year-old is accused of stealing a handgun from a security guard following an incident at a celebrity boxing match in Miami back in May. Arrest warrants claim that Brown allegedly fired two shots during a confrontation that night.

The man who was shot, Zulu Karnaine Kwambe Nantambu, reported to investigators that one bullet grazed his neck. At a prior hearing, Eiglash argued that the affidavit was inaccurate and stated that Brown personally used the firearm, contrary to claims that someone else had fired it. Brown had suggested on social media that he was defending himself from people trying to steal his jewelry.

Brown recently returned to the U.S. from Dubai, with the first arrest warrant issued in June. A status hearing is scheduled for December 22, but a trial date has not been set yet.