Not a Big Deal? Lions Release Terrion Arnold Months After Giving Him a Clean Chit

Terrion Arnold made 24 appearances for the Lions in two seasons before his release.

Not a Big Deal? Lions Release Terrion Arnold Months After Giving Him a Clean Chit

Terrion Arnold (Image via IMAGO)

Terrion Arnold’s Detroit Lions adventure comes to an end. The Lions are releasing the former first-round draft pick with immediate effect.

After posting bail of one million dollars in a robbery case, the Lions cut ties with Arnold on Tuesday, June 29. He is now a free agent, and interested teams can sign him to a deal.

The Lions lost a starting-caliber corner. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said in April that the case surrounding Arnold was “not a big deal”. Guess it turned out to be opposite, and it indeed led to the fallout.

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Why did the Lions release Terrion Arnold?

Arnold’s second year in the NFL came to an abrupt end after suffering a shoulder injury. The Lions placed him on the season-ending IR list.

"Not a Big Deal" - Lions Release Terrion Arnold Months After Giving Him a Clean Chit
Terrion Arnold (Image via ESPN)

In February, multiple outlets reported Arnold’s aiding three other individuals in kidnapping and robbery. Arnold reported a different story. Apparently, possessions worth $250,000 were stolen from his Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.

The Lions stood beside their player at that time.

We got all the information that says he wasn’t involved. That’s what we know, that’s all we know, and that’s really all I can say… As far as I know, it’s not a big deal. It seems like he still wasn’t involved with this.

Campbell told the media

Arnold remained with the team and attended the offseason OTAs. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell allowed the scenario to play its course instead of penalizing Arnold.

Well… He hasn’t been charged. I mean, obviously, we’ve got to follow the facts… we obviously will follow up all of that and deal with it appropriately.

Goodell said

In June, two of the accused individuals pleaded guilty to the charges in a Florida court. On June 24, Arnold turned himself in to the police after Florida authorities issued a warrant for his arrest. Following his arrest, the police charged the 23-year-old with multiple felonies, with the possibility of a life sentence.

Terrion Arnold granted conditioned bail by a judge

A Hillsborough County judge set a $1 million bond for Arnold’s bail on Monday. The judge also set a few conditions for Arnold to follow. He cannot meet any of the six co-defendants and must surrender his passport. Fortunately, the Bama alum doesn’t have to wear a GPS tracking device, and he can continue his football career.

Arnold’s travel will be limited to team-related functions and court and legal appointments. As previously mentioned, it won’t be with the Lions because he’s no longer a part of the NFC North club.

What does the Lions salary cap situation look like with Arnold’s release?

The Lions are not only losing a player of Arnold’s prowess but also losing a decent amount of money. As he’s a former first-round pick (24th overall), he was on a fully guaranteed contract.

The Lions stand to take a $6.62 million dead cap hit. Additionally, they will lose more than $2.750 million per Over The Cap.

There is a way for the Lions to avoid losing the money. Thanks to the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, if a player commits certain acts, similar to Arnold’s actions, the club can seek to recover certain bonus money. More importantly, they can avoid paying him any future salaries.

The case remains open. Arnold’s attorney is confident that his client didn’t play an active role in the robbery and kidnapping. Until he provides credible evidence, Arnold must abide by the conditions set by the judge.

Arnold played 16 games in his debut NFL campaign, registered 60 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one fumble return. Eight games into year two, Arnold hurt his shoulder and missed the rest of the season.

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