Allen Park, Mich. — Coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions addressed the team’s “unfortunate” decision to release Terrion Arnold on the eve of training camp. This decision follows Arnold’s facing felony charges.
“You never want to let go of a player, especially somebody that you’ve been around for a while here and you drafted,” Campbell said. “It’s unfortunate, but we made the move we thought was best for us.”
The Lions released Arnold last month, shortly after a Florida judge set his bail at $1 million. Arnold is facing eight felony charges linked to allegations of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men. According to prosecutors in Florida, Arnold arranged for the men to be pistol-whipped after wrongly suspecting them of stealing $100,000 in cash and luxury goods from him.
“I feel like we’re going to be good here,” Campbell told reporters during the NFL’s annual league meeting. “I’m going to trust what the kid said.”
Arnold’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, argued in court that prosecutors failed to show evidence proving Arnold knew or directed his associates’ actions.
Lions cornerback D.J. Reed expressed his support for Arnold, stating, “He’s a great human being, one of the better men, better teammates that I’ve met in the league. It’s an unfortunate situation, but he’s a great dude. His energy is always positive. I reached out to him. He’s doing good.”
Detroit drafted Arnold as the No. 24 pick in 2024, when the NFL draft was held in the Motor City. During the draft, Arnold appeared with a big smile and a light salmon silk suit.
Arnold had an uneven rookie season, making 15 starts without an interception. Last season, he picked off one pass but was limited to eight games due to a concussion and shoulder injury.
Before the Lions released Arnold, a judge did not require him to wear an ankle monitor, as it would have prevented him from taking the field for games and training.
Despite Arnold’s absence, Campbell expressed confidence in the team’s cornerback lineup. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin are projected as starters, while Roger McCreary will compete for playing time. Ennis Rakestraw is also expected to contribute after recovering from shoulder surgery and previous injuries.
“We feel pretty good in that room with the competition between veterans and young guys,” Campbell said.