Former NFL star Antonio Brown has filed a motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charge against him in Miami, arguing that his actions were justified under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The motion, submitted on Monday and shared with ESPN by his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, outlines Brown’s claim that he acted in self-defense during an incident that involved gunfire outside an amateur boxing match on May 16, 2025.
Brown, 37, who spent nearly six months in Dubai after the incident, was extradited to the United States by federal marshals. Upon his arrival in Miami last month, he pleaded not guilty and was arraigned on the murder charge. According to the motion, “Brown’s use of force on May 16, 2025, was fully justified,” asserting that he “reasonably believed” the alleged victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, intended to cause him serious harm.
The motion references the 2005 Florida law that eliminates the requirement to retreat before using deadly force in certain situations. This law has been pivotal in various high-profile self-defense cases in the state, including the controversial case involving the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2007. In that instance, George Zimmerman asserted self-defense, leading to his acquittal in 2013. Although Zimmerman did not expressly invoke the “Stand Your Ground” law, jury instructions emphasized its implications.
In his motion, Brown claims a history of violence from Nantambu toward him, including an alleged jewelry theft incident in Dubai, which reportedly resulted in Nantambu serving 30 days in jail. The filing states that during the May incident, Brown was attempting to reach his car to ensure his safety after being attacked by Nantambu. However, police reports indicate that Brown punched Nantambu and, alongside two others, continued the assault. According to security footage described by authorities, Nantambu walked away, and Brown subsequently chased him, firing shots at close range.
The police report indicates that after the first shot, Nantambu ducked for cover. Despite acknowledging that Brown was the shooter, the motion asserts that he “reasonably feared” that Nantambu was armed and made an “aggressive movement” toward him. It claims that Brown fired two “warning shots,” intentionally aiming away from Nantambu to avoid hitting him. Furthermore, Brown’s motion alleges that Nantambu took the weapon after a struggle and left with it.
At a hearing in November, Nantambu’s attorney, Richard L. Cooper, characterized Brown’s defense motion as “a farcical reimagining” of the events. Cooper argued that Brown intended to kill Nantambu, stating, “By the grace of God, he was not killed.” He suggested that Brown initially believed he could avoid extradition while in Dubai and flaunted his presence there on social media.
Currently, Brown faces a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years if convicted. After returning to Miami, he was released on $25,000 bail and is under house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor. Brown, an All-Pro wide receiver with a notable 12-year career in the NFL, last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, having spent the majority of his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As the case unfolds, both legal teams will present their arguments regarding the merits of the dismissal motion, with the implications of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law likely taking center stage in the ongoing legal proceedings.
