The Detroit Lions have released cornerback Terrion Arnold, only days after his arrest over allegations that he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men. Prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected the men of having stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.
The Lions made the announcement on Monday. The team did not give a reason, but the announcement came the same day that a Florida judge set Arnold’s bail at $1m.
Arnold, 23, was the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft after playing at the University of Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception last season as part of the Lions’ defense.
According to prosecutors, the alleged victims were abducted three days after cash and luxury items, including Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags, were reported stolen from Arnold at an Airbnb rental in the Tampa area. Prosecutors allege that six of Arnold’s associates carried out the abductions, holding, beating and pistol-whipping the victims, and that Arnold wasn’t there at the time.
None of Arnold’s co-defendants had bond set for them. Two female co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities. Their statements tie Arnold, who was not at the apartment, to the crimes, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors argue that Arnold is as responsible for the crimes as his co-defendants because he told his associates that he thought he knew who had stolen from him and said he wanted to confront them, setting events in motion.
“Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the case who were beaten, robbed, and held against their will,” said Erin Maloney, a spokesperson for the state attorney’s office.
But Harvey Steinberg, an attorney for Arnold, argued in court Monday that prosecutors are “not even close” to showing that Arnold that he knew or directed what his associates would do.
Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, which represents Arnold, said the judge’s ruling “confirms that there is very little evidence to even suggest any criminal involvement by Mr Arnold.”
The charges carry a possible life sentence if Arnold or any of the other alleged perpetrators are found guilty.
