Just days after Terrion Arnold was arrested for his connection to a kidnapping incident in February
, the Detroit Lions announced they have released the cornerback.Arnold was drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with the Lions trading up to draft the cornerback out of Ohio State.
His NFL career struggled out of the gate, with some early struggles on the field his rookie season. His second year was marred by injuries, including a shoulder injury that eventually ended his season early and
necessitated two surgeries to fully repair. There was hope that Arnold could come into this season and turn around his career, but this off-field incident will obviously not only threaten his NFL career, but his freedom.
Arnold faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery from an incident in February involving three victims who were allegedly lured to an apartment, held at gunpoint, assaulted, and robbed. The scheme was reportedly in retaliation for a robbery in which Arnold reported to police hours before the incident. The charges could carry a sentence up to life in prison. On Monday, Arnold was set for $1 million bail after judge ruled the state’s case wasn’t strong enough yet.
“We’re early, we’re in the first quarter, but the state’s (case) just isn’t there at this point, so I can’t grant the state’s motion,” the judge said. “I do find probable cause based on all the stuff that you’ve argued so eloquently and put together.
“It’s complex, it’s complicated, and you and the detective have done a very good job of helping me understand at 10 pages of notes that I wrote throughout the testimony. I do believe I have an understanding of it. I understand your argument regarding motive. I understand everything, and I find there’s probable cause, but I’m going to set bond.”
Allegations of Arnold’s involvement in the kidnapping and robbery incident date back to February, but his camp has repeatedly denied any involvement in the incident.
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence,” Arnold’s head of management Denise White wrote in a statement Wednesday night. “There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences. Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.”
While the Lions initially opted to believe Arnold’s innocence in this case, with more allegations and now an arrest, they have changed course and decided to part ways. Arnold’s Lions career ends with 24 games played, 22 starts, 91 tackles, 18 passes defended, and one interception.
