Lions release cornerback after armed robbery and kidnapping charges

The Detroit Lions have released cornerback Terrion Arnold after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, the team announced Monday. Arnold, 23, turned himself in Wednesday night. Authorities accuse him of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he suspected of stealing luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him.

Arrest and court proceedings 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 say six of Arnold's associates carried out the crimes by holding, beating and pistol-whipping the victims.

Arnold was not present during the alleged crimes. Two female co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities. Their statements tie Arnold to the crimes even though he was not at the apartment, 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 that he wanted to confront them.

“Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the case who were beaten, robbed, and held against their will.”

Conditions include no contact with the six co-defendants or the witnesses in the case, surrender of his passport within 48 hours, and confinement to his residence in Tallahassee, Florida, except when playing, training and traveling with the Lions or making court-related appearances.

The state asked the judge to require Arnold to wear a GPS tracking device, but his attorneys argued that he would not be able to play football with such a device. Prosecutors had wanted Arnold held without bond. The judge said that although the charges are serious — four counts each of kidnapping and armed robbery that could bring a life sentence if Arnold is convicted — prosecutors are "not there yet" in showing a strong case for Arnold's guilt.