Antonio Brown pleads not guilty, claims self-defense in attempted murder case

Antonio Brown is pushing back against serious allegations stemming from a violent altercation earlier this year. The former NFL wide receiver has pleaded not guilty to second-degree attempted murder after being accused of trying to shoot and kill someone following a celebrity boxing event in May, per TMZ Sports. 

Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, says the case is being misrepresented, and that his client was acting purely in self-defense. Eiglarsh, a well-known Florida defense attorney, confirmed to TMZ Sports that he’s representing Brown and believes strongly in his innocence. 

“The actions he was forced to take were solely in self-defense against the alleged victim’s violent behavior,” Eiglarsh said. “Brown was attacked that night and acted within his legal right to protect himself from an individual who had previously committed criminal acts against him. It’s a privilege to represent him, and I am determined to ensure that justice is served.” Eiglarsh officially entered a not-guilty plea on Brown’s behalf Monday.

Alas, Brown’s legal saga has stretched across borders. The 37-year-old was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to the United States last week and is currently in custody in New Jersey, awaiting transfer to South Florida. 

He has been wanted since June in connection with the aforementioned incident following a celebrity boxing match on May 16, when a fight reportedly broke out after an attempted jewelry theft. Witnesses claimed Brown was involved in the altercation and allegedly fired a weapon, though police did not recover a gun from him at the scene.

According to The Washington Post’s David Ovalle, Brown’s warrant included a $10,000 bond and an order for house arrest pending trial. Nearly five months later, he’s now in custody and preparing for court.

It marks the latest troubling chapter in what has been a public downfall for one of the NFL’s most productive receivers of the 2010s. Over a 12-year career with the Steelers, Raiders, Patriots, and Buccaneers, Brown recorded 928 catches for 12,291 yards and 83 touchdowns, earning multiple All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl ring. 

Since leaving football in 2021, however, Brown has faced a series of controversies. From off-field incidents to online outbursts, with this latest case standing as the most serious yet.

— On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.