The Detroit Lions released cornerback Terrion Arnold on Monday, only days after his arrest over allegations that he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men who prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.
The team made the announcement on the X social media platform. The Lions did not give a reason, but the announcement came the same day that a Florida judge set Arnold’s bail at $1 million. Prosecutors say the three victims, including a man who worked as a driver for Arnold, were robbed while being held at gunpoint in a Tampa apartment in February.
Prosecutors had wanted Arnold held without bond on the eight felony charges he faces, but Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Sabella granted bond. He won’t be required to wear an ankle monitor because it would prevent him from taking the field for games and training.
The judge said Arnold already has a “paparazzi monitor,” referring to the photographers who have been watching his movements.
“If he shows up on a beach in Tahiti, he’ll be on social media,” Sabella said at the end of the bond hearing in Tampa.
Each charge could bring a life sentence if Arnold is convicted.
The judge did order Arnold to remain at his home in Tallahassee except for anything related to NFL training. He also said Arnold cannot have any contact with other people tied to the case and must surrender his passport within 48 hours.
Arnold, 23, was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after playing at Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception last season for Detroit.
According to prosecutors, the 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 actually carried out the crimes, 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.