The Detroit Lions announced Monday that they have released Terrion Arnold following his arrest last week on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
A judge in Hillsborough County, Florida, set Arnold’s bond at $1 million on Monday. Judge Christopher Sabella imposed several conditions with that bond decision.
Sabella ordered that Arnold have no contact with the six co-defendants or any witnesses in the case. He also required Arnold to surrender his passport within 48 hours.
Additionally, the judge confined Arnold to his home in Tallahassee, Florida, except for permitted travel related to playing, training and traveling with the Lions or for court-related appearances and legal appointments.
The state requested that Arnold wear a GPS tracking device, though his attorneys objected, arguing that such a device would prevent Arnold from being able to play football.
Prosecutors had sought to hold Arnold without bond, but Judge Sabella instead granted bond. The judge remarked that while the charges are serious, prosecutors are “not there yet” in establishing a strong case for Arnold’s guilt.
Arnold, 23, was taken into custody Wednesday night after turning himself in to authorities. According to authorities, prosecutors have accused him of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men he allegedly suspected of stealing luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.
Prosecutors said the abductions occurred three days after the theft of cash and luxury items, including Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags, from an Airbnb in the Tampa area that Arnold had rented. They accused six associates of Arnold of committing the crimes by holding, beating and pistol-whipping the victims. Prosecutors stated that Arnold was not present when the attacks occurred.
None of Arnold’s co-defendants have received bond, according to prosecutors. Two female co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities, and prosecutors stated their testimony connects Arnold to the case even though he was not present at the apartment.
The prosecutors argued in court that Arnold bears responsibility because he told the group he suspected certain men had stolen from him and said he wanted to confront them, leading to the events in question.
Erin Maloney, a spokesperson for the state attorney’s office, issued a statement emphasizing, “Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the case who were beaten, robbed, and held against their will.”
Arnold’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, countered during the hearing that prosecutors are “not even close” to proving that Arnold directed or knew what actions his associates would take.
Denise White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, which represents Arnold, said the ruling from the judge “confirms that there is very little evidence to even suggest any criminal involvement by Mr. Arnold.”
Arnold had been selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2024 draft out of Alabama. His release leaves a major hole at the cornerback position for Detroit, as he had been set to start opposite D.J. Reed.
According to the report, Arnold had two years and $4.8 million left on his rookie contract before the team released him.