Getty Las Vegas Raiders CB Damon Arnette.
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at the center of more off-the-field issues as 2020 first-round pick Damon Arnette has been accused of injuring a woman in a “violent” car crash, according to a lawsuit that was reported on by TMZ Sports on November 5.
According to the outlet, the lawsuit states that Arnette slammed into the unnamed woman’s car on October 14, 2020, in Las Vegas around 7:29 a.m. TMZ reported that lawsuit documents say the cornerback was headed to Raiders headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, “thought he had missed his turn into the Raiders’ facility, so he swerved at around 65 MPH in order to still make the right.”
According to the woman, the driver’s sides of both vehicles crashed into each other “violently” and the vehicles sustained “significant” damage. TMZ Sports acquired photos of the wreck, which claim to show damage to the front bumper of Arnette’s car and damage to the driver’s side door on the woman’s car.
Raiders’ Damon Arnette Injured Woman In Violent ’20 Car Crash, Lawsuit Claims
The woman suing Arnette also said he “illegally left the scene of the crash” and went to the Raiders headquarters, according to TMZ. Police records indicate Arnette left “because he was running late to a meeting at work” and had a friend stay back to provide his information to police, TMZ reported. However, the police records indicate that Arnette’s friend “tried to take the fall” but police eventually learned the truth after finding the cornerback at the Raiders’ facility, according to the outlet.
According to TMZ, the lawsuit claims the woman suffered multiple injuries from the crash that include head trauma, shoulder, neck and back pain, and is suffering from depression and panic attacks as a result of the crash. Documents indicate “she suffered damages exceeding $92,000,” the outlet reported.
According to TMZ Sports, police records show that Arnette was cited for the crash and an incident report says that the cornerback admitted that he made the unsafe turn.
Arnette’s attorney Richard Schonfeld has released a statement regarding the allegations.
“Mr. Arnette denies the allegations in the complaint and looks forward to addressing these claims through the court process,” Schonfeld told TMZ Sports.
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Raiders Head Coach Rich Bisaccia Addresses Lawsuit
GettyDamon Arnette with Las Vegas Raiders GM Mike Mayock.
The Raiders are currently dealing with the fallout from the fatal car crash involving former wide receiver Henry Ruggs. The 2020 first-round pick has been charged with DUI resulting in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. The team has already released Ruggs but the situation is still very fresh.
The crash involving Arnette happened over a year ago and did not result in death. Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia was asked about the situation and said the team is aware.
“We’re aware of it – certainly we’re aware of it today,” Bisaccia told reporters on November 5. “I think its been pushed toward his lawyers and his attorneys and their team of people to handle that. I don’t think we can comment on it any further.”
Arnette Is Currently on Injured Reserve
Arnette continues to nurse a groin injury he suffered in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was placed on the Injured Reserve and is currently eligible to return but isn’t healthy enough yet. It’ll be tough for him to get on the field when he does return.
Arnette has struggled since entering the NFL. He lost his starting job this offseason to Trayvon Mullen and Casey Hayward. Once he returns, it’s unlikely he’ll be in line for a starting job. In fact, he may lose the third cornerback spot to Brandon Facyson. However, the lawsuit shouldn’t affect his status with the team.
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