Detroit Lions release Terrion Arnold after cornerback charged over kidnap polt

The Detroit Lions released NFL player Terrion Arnold on Monday, four days after the cornerback was charged with orchestrating the abduction and beating of three people, whom he had incorrectly suspected of stealing luxury goods as well as $100,000 in cash from him.

The Lions announced the news on X on Monday, after a Florida judge set the 23-year-old's bail at $1m (£750,000).

Prosecutors said three people in their late teens were held at gunpoint, beaten and robbed at an apartment in Tampa, Florida on February 4. One of the victims was a driver who worked for Arnold, and at least seven people are facing charges.

The alleged incident took place three days after Arnold had over $250,000 (approx £189,400) worth of luxury possessions, including watches, cash and designer bags, stolen from himself and others at a property in Largo, 20 miles west of Tampa.

However, investigators found the victims were not involved in the robbery.

The victims said the cornerback's friends had coaxed them into a property in which they held them at gunpoint and beat them. They added the abduction was streamed to Arnold.

On Wednesday, Arnold turned himself in to police and had briefly appeared in court, where a judge read out the eight felony charges against him.

Chief Court Judge Christopher Sabella granted him bail and said he would not be required to wear an ankle monitor as it would hinder his ability to tackle during games and training.

His representative, Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, said the judges' ruling "confirms that there is very little evidence to even suggest any criminal involvement by Mr Arnold."

None of Arnold's co-defendants were granted bail. Two have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities. Prosecutors say their statements tie Arnold, who was not at the apartment, to the crimes.

In addition, prosecutors argue Arnold is as responsible for the crimes as his co-defendants because he told his associates that he thought he knew who had stolen from him and said he wanted to confront them, setting events in motion.

Erin Maloney, a spokesperson for the state attorney's office, said: "Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the case who were beaten, robbed, and held against their will."

The American footballer's legal counsel, Harvey Steinberg, told the court on Monday that prosecutors are "not even close" to showing Arnold that he knew or instructed his co-defendants.

Arnold was drafted to the Lions as a first-round 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, having played his college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

During his two seasons in the NFL, Arnold made 24 appearances for the Lions (22 starts) and made 91 tackles while defending 18 passes.