Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown is once again at the centre of a firestorm, this time for making a tasteless joke about the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. This incident occurred mere days after Brown was released on bail while facing a serious attempted murder charge.
Controversial Remark During Live Stream
Brown sparked immediate outrage during a live stream from the Florida home of controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine. While outside with YouTube streamer Adin Ross, the group noticed fans driving by. Seemingly on edge due to Tekashi 6ix9ine's history with the law and a recent break-in at the property, they began to head indoors.
In a now-viral social media clip, Brown is seen approaching Ross and asking, "No one's gonna Charlie Kirk me, right?" This comment references the tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University in September.
Legal Troubles and Bail Conditions
The controversial joke comes at an already tumultuous time for the retired athlete. Brown made the comment less than a week after he was released from a Miami jail on November 13 after posting a US$25,000 bail.
He had been extradited from Dubai to face a second-degree attempted murder charge connected to an incident at a May boxing event hosted by Adin Ross. According to an arrest warrant, Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. The alleged victim told investigators that one bullet grazed his neck.
Brown's attorney, Mark Russell Eiglarsh, has contested the affidavit's details, claiming Brown used his own firearm and did not aim at anyone. Brown himself has claimed on social media that Nantambu tried to steal from him and threatened his life.
Potential Consequences and Ongoing Case
Following his not-guilty plea, Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer ordered Brown to wear a GPS ankle monitor while he awaits trial. The legal stakes are exceptionally high for the former NFL all-pro.
If convicted on the attempted murder charge, Antonio Brown could face a potential 15-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. The combination of his ongoing legal battle and his propensity for making inflammatory public statements continues to keep him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
