Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been extradited from Dubai to the United States to face charges related to a shooting incident that took place in May.
According to BBC News, the Miami Police Department confirmed that Brown, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was apprehended in Dubai and is now being held in Essex County, New Jersey, before being transferred to the Miami-Dade County Jail.
The charge against Brown stems from an altercation on May 16, outside an amateur boxing event in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood.
The 37-year-old is accused of taking a gun from a security guard and firing two shots at a man he had previously fought with. No injuries were reported at the time, and no arrests were made immediately following the incident.
Brown's Social Media Posts During Flight from Authorities
Despite being wanted in connection with the shooting, the NFL star remained active on social media, posting regularly to his millions of followers.
Last week, he even shared a video from behind the wheel of a black Lamborghini, promoting an online sports betting platform.
In the video, Brown appeared unfazed by the charges against him, writing: “Locked in, living good, and VIP energy hits different,” accompanied by a diamond emoji.
The Search and Arrest
Brown’s extradition marks the end of a four-month search by U.S. Marshals.
Miami police spokesperson Mike Vega confirmed Brown’s capture but declined to provide specific details about where and when he was detained.
Miami’s Chief of Police, Manuel Morales, said in a statement: "Let this serve as a clear message: No matter who you are or where you run, we will pursue the facts, identify you, locate you, and bring you to justice," per NBC News.
"To anyone even considering committing a crime in Miami - know this: We will find you," he added.
Brown's career had been one of the most prolific in NFL history before his sudden and dramatic downfall.
Known for his explosive talent, he led the league in receiving yards in 2014 and 2017 and in touchdown catches in 2018.
He was also part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 Super Bowl, catching a touchdown pass in the victory.
However, his career took an unexpected and bizarre turn in January 2022 when, during a game against the New York Jets, he had a public meltdown on the sidelines.
Brown stripped off his jersey, shoulder pads, undershirt, and gloves, gave the crowd a peace sign, and then ran off the field, a move that led to his release from the Buccaneers and effectively ended his NFL career.
An Attempt to Clear His Name
In the aftermath of the shooting incident, Brown took to social media, claiming he had been the victim of an attempted robbery and that he had been jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal his jewelry and harm him.
"I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewellery and cause physical harm to me," Brown stated. "Contrary to some video circulating, police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I went home that night and was not arrested."
Despite his explanation, police issued an arrest warrant for the former wide receiver in June, and his legal troubles have now escalated to the point of extradition.
If Brown is convicted of second-degree attempted murder, he could face significant prison time.