Antonio Brown has been granted limited freedom from house arrest as his attempted murder case continues to move through the Miami court system.
According to the Miami Herald, a judge ruled Friday that the former NFL wide receiver may travel within Florida for work-related reasons, easing—but not lifting—the restrictions imposed on him after his extradition from Dubai.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez approved Brown’s request to travel to Tampa for one week in late January. According to Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, the trip is tied to business obligations, including meetings with an exotic and luxury car rental company and scheduled sessions at a music studio. Brown, 37, remains under court supervision and is still required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.
During the hearing, prosecutors objected to the request, arguing that Brown posed a flight risk due to the fact that he previously left the country and was later extradited from the United Arab Emirates. Judge Tinkler Mendez acknowledged those concerns but approved the travel request, making clear that it was not a blanket permission going forward. She noted that any future travel would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Eiglarsh told the court that Brown plans to remain at his primary residence in Tampa, where he lives with his partner, who is pregnant, and several of his children. Brown has been on what the court describes as “low-level” house arrest since posting a $25,000 bond, a condition that already allows him to work under monitoring.
Brown’s legal troubles stem from a May 16 incident outside a boxing event hosted by influencer Adin Ross in Miami. Prosecutors allege that Brown punched Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, during a confrontation that escalated after the event.
Nantambu told investigators he attempted to leave but was chased by Brown, who allegedly fired a gun at him, possibly grazing his neck.
Surveillance and social media footage reviewed by police reportedly shows Brown holding a firearm and running out of frame moments before gunshots are heard.
Two spent shell casings and a damaged holster were recovered at the scene, though no firearm was found on Brown when he was detained. He was initially released that night after Nantambu had already left the area.
Brown has pleaded not guilty and maintains that he acted in self-defense. He has formally invoked Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, arguing that his actions were justified.
“The actions he was forced to take were solely in self-defense against the alleged victim’s violent behavior,” Eiglarsh previously said. “Brown was attacked that night and acted within his legal right to protect himself.”
Court records show a prior dispute between Brown and Nantambu dating back several years, including a false accusation by Brown that led to Nantambu's imprisonment overseas.
Nantambu’s attorney, Richard Cooper, has sharply disputed Brown’s account, stating at a bond hearing, “It was Mr. Brown’s intention to kill my client.”