Key Points
- Alleged Robbery & Gunfire: Antonio Brown reportedly fired gunshots during a brawl outside Adin Ross’s “BrandRisk” boxing event in Miami after a group tried to steal his chain. Videos show chaos, police escorting him, and unverified claims of self-defence
- No Official Arrest Confirmation: Miami-Dade police have not confirmed charges or arrests, though Brown was briefly detained.
- CTE Confession: Brown later claimed on a livestream he “blacked out” due to CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), linking his actions to brain trauma.
- Social Media Frenzy: Clips of the fight and gunshots went viral, with mixed reactions—some praised Brown’s defiance, others mocked the “GTA-like” chaos
- Legal & Financial Risks: Brown could face charges for reckless firearm use, adding strain to his $10–15M net worth amid prior legal issues
- Event Safety Concerns: Critics slammed lax security at influencer-led events, reigniting debates about accountability
The Full Story
On May 16, 2025, former NFL star Antonio Brown sparked panic at Adin Ross’s “BrandRisk” influencer boxing event in Miami. Witnesses claim Brown fired gunshots during a fight triggered by an attempted chain robbery, though details remain unverified by police. Videos show a chaotic scene: Brown in a shoving match, metallic sounds resembling gunfire, and screams as crowds scatter. A clip later surfaced of Brown being escorted by officers, but no formal arrest was confirmed .
What started the fight? Social media users allege a group targeted Brown to steal his jewellery, prompting him to fire warning shots. Streamer Alina Rose’s livestream captured the panic: “Oh my god! He has a gun!”. Adin Ross defended Brown post-incident, declaring, “You can’t take down AB!” . However, the lack of police reports leaves room for speculation: Was this self-defense or recklessness?
Brown’s CTE bombshell: Hours later, Brown joined Ross’s livestream, blaming his actions on CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to NFL head trauma. “I blacked out, dude,” he said, reframing the incident as a health crisis. While some sympathised, critics questioned the timing, calling it a deflection from potential legal consequences .
Legal gray areas: Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law permits force in self-defense, but firing warning shots can still lead to charges like reckless endangerment. Legal experts suggest fines or probation, but Brown’s history of controversies (e.g., assault charges, unpaid child support) might worsen penalties.
Social media reactions:
- Supporters hailed Brown as a “badass” for defending himself .
- Others mocked the absurdity: “Miami unlocked ‘Grand Theft Adin’” .
- Many criticised event security: “Where was AB’s team?” .
Financial fallout:
Brown’s net worth of 10–15M pales compared to his NFL peak. Legal fees from this incident could further drain his finances, especially if civil lawsuits arise 11.
Questions & Answers
- Are warning shots legal in Florida?
- Firing shots into the air can lead to charges like improper firearm use, even in self-defence scenarios .
- Why did Adin Ross support Brown?
- Ross called the incident “not cool” but later praised Brown’s resilience, possibly to deflect blame from his event’s security lapses .
- How does CTE impact behavior?
- CTE is tied to aggression, impulsivity, and memory loss, often diagnosed posthumously in athletes with repeated head trauma .
