Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing life in prison after being arrested on a series of felony kidnapping and robbery charges, and won’t have the chance to get out for at least several more days.
One day after turning himself in to authorities in Florida, Arnold appeared before a judge to schedule a bond hearing. Prosecutors have asked that the Lions cornerback be held until his trial, and Arnold’s legal team will have to wait through the weekend to argue that he should be allowed to get out of jail.
Terrion Arnold Dealt Bad News at First Hearing
Arnold’s lawyer said on Thursday that they planned to argue for his release, asking the judge for documentation on the alleged co-conspirators and their plea deals. As ESPN reported, a Florida judge denied the request for information for now and set Arnold’s bond hearing for early next week.
“Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, appeared at a hearing Thursday in Tampa, Florida, and was ordered held without bail until a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Monday morning,” the report noted.
Prosecutors have already said that they planned to argue that Arnold be held without bond, noting the seriousness of the charges he faces. As ESPN noted, prosecutors say Arnold orchestrated a violent kidnapping after he believed the victims had stolen $250,000 from an Airbnb he owned.
“Three men in their late teens were held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped and robbed in a Tampa apartment on Feb. 4, police said, three days after personal property worth more than $250,000 was reported stolen from Arnold and others at an Airbnb rental in Largo, about 20 miles west of the city,” the report noted.
Terrion Arnold Denies Charges
Arnold’s lawyer said the cornerback contests the charges, claiming he is innocent.
“He’s absolutely denying these allegations,” defense attorney R. Timothy Jansen said at Thursday’s appearance.
Denise White, CEO of Arnold’s representation at EAG Sports Management agency, picked up on an argument that Jansen made in court on Thursday.
“There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations,” White said. “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.”
Arnold’s future with the Lions is in limbo after the arrest. If prosecutors are granted their request to have him held until trial, Arnold would likely be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and not be able to rejoin the team until he is released.
Players who are convicted of felony charges are regularly hit with long suspensions, including the six games that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faced after being convicted of felony charges related to a street-racing incident.
Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac added that Arnold’s contract with the Lions could be in jeopardy.
“Lions CB Terrion Arnold has 2-years, $4.8M (guaranteed) remaining on his rookie contract, plus a potential 5th-year option for the 2028 season,” reported Ginnitti on X. “Any suspension stemming from a violation of the league’s conduct policy would void the guarantees.”
Lions CB Facing Life in Prison Gets Dire News at First Court Appearance