06/29/26 02:24:00
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06/29 14:23 CDT $1 million bond set for Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold in
kidnapping and robbery case
$1 million bond set for Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold in kidnapping and
robbery case
By JOHN HANNA
Associated Press
A Florida judge set a $1 million bond Monday for Detroit Lions player Terrion
Arnold, who is accused of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men
who prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen luxury goods and
$100,000 in cash from him.
Prosecutors say the three victims, including a man who worked as a driver for
Arnold, were robbed while being held at gunpoint in a Tampa apartment in
February.
Prosecutors had wanted the cornerback held without bond on the eight felony
charges he faces. But Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Sabella granted
bond to Arnold, who won't be required to wear an ankle monitor because it would
prevent him from taking the field for games and training. The judge said Arnold
already has a "paparazzi monitor," referring to the photographers who have been
watching his movements.
"If he shows up on a beach in Tahiti, he'll be on social media," Sabella said
at the end of the bond hearing in Tampa.
Sabella said that although the charges are serious --- each could bring a life
sentence if Arnold is convicted --- prosecutors are "not there yet" in having a
strong case for Arnold's guilt.
The judge did order Arnold to remain at his home in Tallahassee except for when
he's playing, training and traveling with the Lions. He also said Arnold cannot
have any contact with other people tied to the case and must surrender his
passport within 48 hours.
Arnold, 23, was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft after playing at the
University of Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception last season as
part of the Lions' defense.
According to prosecutors, the victims were abducted three days after cash and
luxury items, including Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags, were reported
stolen from Arnold at an Airbnb rental in the Tampa area. Prosecutors allege
that six of Arnold's associates actually carried out the crimes, holding,
beating and pistol-whipping the victims, and that Arnold wasn't there at the
time.
None of Arnold's co-defendants had bond set for them. Two female co-defendants
have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities. Their statements tie
Arnold, who was not at the apartment, to the crimes, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors argue that 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.
"Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the
case who were beaten, robbed, and held against their will," said Erin Maloney,
a spokesperson for the state attorney's office.
But Harvey Steinberg, an attorney for Arnold, argued in court Monday that
prosecutors are "not even close" to showing that Arnold that he knew or
directed what his associates would do.
Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, which represents Arnold, said
the judge's ruling "confirms that there is very little evidence to even suggest
any criminal involvement by Mr. Arnold."
___
This story was updated to correct that among the charges Arnold faces are four
robbery-related counts, not four assault counts.
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