Former NFL star Antonio Brown has filed a motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charge against him in Miami, citing Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The motion was submitted on Monday and revealed by his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, on Saturday. The case stems from an incident involving gunfire outside an amateur boxing match on May 16, 2025.
Brown, 37, was extradited to the United States after spending nearly six months in Dubai, where he traveled following the incident. Upon his return to Miami last month, he pleaded not guilty and was arraigned. In the motion, Brown’s defense argues that his use of force was justified, stating, “Brown reasonably believed that the alleged victim intended to cause him serious harm.”
The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly due to its connection to Florida’s controversial self-defense law. According to the motion, which references the 2005 legislation, individuals in Florida have the right to use deadly force without the duty to retreat in certain situations. If convicted, Brown could face up to 30 years in prison.
The case is reminiscent of previous high-profile incidents in Florida, including the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2007, where the shooter, George Zimmerman, claimed self-defense during his trial for second-degree murder. Although Zimmerman did not directly invoke the “Stand Your Ground” law, jury instructions emphasized Florida’s principles regarding self-defense.
Additionally, Brown’s motion outlines a history of alleged violence from the victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, including an incident in which Nantambu was jailed for jewelry theft in Dubai. The motion claims that, during the May incident, Brown was attempting to reach his vehicle for safety after Nantambu allegedly attacked him. However, law enforcement reports indicate that Brown punched Nantambu before chasing him and firing two shots at close range. Security footage reportedly shows Brown armed as he pursued Nantambu.
Despite acknowledging that Brown fired the shots, the defense contends that he “reasonably feared” for his life, suggesting that Nantambu made an aggressive movement towards him. The motion asserts that Brown fired two “warning shots,” intentionally aiming away from Nantambu to avoid causing harm. It also claims that Nantambu took Brown’s weapon following a struggle.
In a November hearing, attorney Richard L. Cooper, representing Nantambu, labeled Brown’s defense motion as “a farcical reimagining” of events, stating that it was Brown’s intention to kill Nantambu. Cooper expressed relief that Nantambu survived the encounter, suggesting that Brown believed he could evade legal consequences while in Dubai.
After returning to Miami, Brown was released on $25,000 bail and is currently under house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor. Brown’s NFL career spanned 12 years, during which he was recognized as an All-Pro wide receiver, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and most recently played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. The unfolding legal battle will likely continue to attract media scrutiny as it progresses through the courts.
