Sad day. And an all-too-common one for this organization. Not so much the current regime, of course - but the Lions have a very checkered history in the character department.
Was it premature? Without a statement or anything from the team. What happens if he gets off? Obviously he’ll be suspended or put on the exempt list until this gets cleared
The weight of a decision like this doesn't come down to the binary innocent/guilty. There are many factors about decision-making that lead to the incident and accusations, plus what Arnold told the team vs. what information has come to light in the months since. The Lions are a business, and as such, they have to make decisions that are best for the organization, from a football and image standpoint.
2024 is turning into one of the all time worst draft classes. I know this team is a repeat of the 1990’s but to match that 1990 draft class is impressive.
Looks like the Detroit City NFL Draft is continuing to move into the draft bust category. Sad to hear this news. Hoping for a better complete season from the former draft day mic grabber.
The Lions just don’t hesitate when a player, even a starter, gets caught up with the law.
Glad to see such consistency in the organization. Regardless, this is a sad day for all.
This is the right move and I'm proud of the Lions for taking quick action. Even if TA is innocent of the specific charges, he's clearly made some awful decisions and lied to the team about his involvement. Might be a bad football move for 2026 but is the right move to set the tone and culture for the long-term.
This is the correct move. Regardless of the technicalities, TA obviously knew about what happened, had a hand in orchestrating it. He might not have known it would get so out of hand, but the Lions are a high-character org and this would have been a stain on the team. Sorry to say. Hopefully TA gets his life sorted out and bounces back and becomes a positive, but it could never have been with the Lions.
With all due respect, I’m still a big fan of innocence until proven guilty.
On the other hand, regardless of his innocence or guilt, he and his situation are a millstone around the figurative neck of the Lions. His release was right and it was inevitable.
Based on what I've read, I don't think anyone is denying, including Arnold's lawyers, that he knew about it. Which speaks to character, and is enough for the Lions to let him go. Not to mention what a huge distraction he would have been. I'm not saying he's guilty of a crime, and I don't think the Lions are, either. But it wasn't like he wasn't involved, or had no knowledge. It's a matter of whether his involvement was criminal. So he could still be legally innocent, but from a character perspective he's obviously not what the team wants on their roster.
I fear this is gonna turn into a Cam Sutton situation, he will be back in the league and we will be on the hook for the fully guaranteed contract once the charges are dropped / dismissed or he is found not guilty. The State’s theory of criminality is weak AF (that’s a technical term).
I know there are some who agree with your assessment. I struggle with why you, or they, hold that opinion.
I’ve said this before, but, anyone out there who thinks Arnold is (was) “good” should watch the Commanders playoff game and the ‘25 season opener in Green Bay.
Rock Ya Sin, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney are capable of that or better.
Really? We have to pick & choose games to validate a 1st Rd CB’s play? Are there games or PFF grades or stats for Jeff Okudah that you wanna consider too?!
He got better as time went on, that’s what young players generally do. You don’t judge them based on games half a season (or full off-season) earlier when assessing how they’re developing…unless you’re cherry-picking to fit your narrative.
Thank you, Sheila. No hesitation when it comes to character.
The Lions will not be tolerating any distractions this year. That tone was set early and this makes it loud and clear.
The Ennis Rakestraw pick is about to pay off!
Like MCDC said 'NO TURDS'
Bye bye no comments needed
Sad day. And an all-too-common one for this organization. Not so much the current regime, of course - but the Lions have a very checkered history in the character department.
Is this the start of Bye Week?
Was it premature? Without a statement or anything from the team. What happens if he gets off? Obviously he’ll be suspended or put on the exempt list until this gets cleared
Thanks Justin
The weight of a decision like this doesn't come down to the binary innocent/guilty. There are many factors about decision-making that lead to the incident and accusations, plus what Arnold told the team vs. what information has come to light in the months since. The Lions are a business, and as such, they have to make decisions that are best for the organization, from a football and image standpoint.
2024 is turning into one of the all time worst draft classes. I know this team is a repeat of the 1990’s but to match that 1990 draft class is impressive.
Who on earth would hit the like button for an objectively incorrect (1990's repeat)opinion?
Looks like the Detroit City NFL Draft is continuing to move into the draft bust category. Sad to hear this news. Hoping for a better complete season from the former draft day mic grabber.
The Lions just don’t hesitate when a player, even a starter, gets caught up with the law.
Glad to see such consistency in the organization. Regardless, this is a sad day for all.
Let’s hope Rake can be a surprise and stay healthy
This is the right move and I'm proud of the Lions for taking quick action. Even if TA is innocent of the specific charges, he's clearly made some awful decisions and lied to the team about his involvement. Might be a bad football move for 2026 but is the right move to set the tone and culture for the long-term.
So much for innocent until proven guilty.
Like the first amendment, this aspect of the constitution does not apply to employer/employment relationship.
I’m so happy when people get this.
Probable cause is likely enough to violate the code of conduct the Lions hold everyone to.
This is the correct move. Regardless of the technicalities, TA obviously knew about what happened, had a hand in orchestrating it. He might not have known it would get so out of hand, but the Lions are a high-character org and this would have been a stain on the team. Sorry to say. Hopefully TA gets his life sorted out and bounces back and becomes a positive, but it could never have been with the Lions.
That makes sense. 🙂
With all due respect, I’m still a big fan of innocence until proven guilty.
On the other hand, regardless of his innocence or guilt, he and his situation are a millstone around the figurative neck of the Lions. His release was right and it was inevitable.
Best of luck to TA.
Based on what I've read, I don't think anyone is denying, including Arnold's lawyers, that he knew about it. Which speaks to character, and is enough for the Lions to let him go. Not to mention what a huge distraction he would have been. I'm not saying he's guilty of a crime, and I don't think the Lions are, either. But it wasn't like he wasn't involved, or had no knowledge. It's a matter of whether his involvement was criminal. So he could still be legally innocent, but from a character perspective he's obviously not what the team wants on their roster.
Grandma time.
I fear this is gonna turn into a Cam Sutton situation, he will be back in the league and we will be on the hook for the fully guaranteed contract once the charges are dropped / dismissed or he is found not guilty. The State’s theory of criminality is weak AF (that’s a technical term).
Perhaps. But Cam Sutton wasn’t very good either and he is no longer in the league.
Arnold’s current legal woes have shifted attention away from the fact that he’s been a BUST!
TA was looking pretty good last year before his injury. I’m hardly alone in that assessment.
Whaddaya think Justin? I’m trying to turn over a new leaf! I didn’t even call anybody a boob!
I know there are some who agree with your assessment. I struggle with why you, or they, hold that opinion.
I’ve said this before, but, anyone out there who thinks Arnold is (was) “good” should watch the Commanders playoff game and the ‘25 season opener in Green Bay.
Rock Ya Sin, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney are capable of that or better.
Those are not the games we are talking about, he played several games after that before succumbing to injury. And stats back up the assessment.
Really? We have to pick & choose games to validate a 1st Rd CB’s play? Are there games or PFF grades or stats for Jeff Okudah that you wanna consider too?!
Look, the guy was NOT GOOD.
Like Eric Ebron bad.
Like Jalen Duren playoffs bad.
He got better as time went on, that’s what young players generally do. You don’t judge them based on games half a season (or full off-season) earlier when assessing how they’re developing…unless you’re cherry-picking to fit your narrative.
Do really think the Lions or the PA don’t have more information than the public
I do not think either are in possession of any more incriminating evidence than what the state has presented.
I sure hope not.
My wife pegs him as a KC Chief this season.
"Mike wife pegs him..." is quite the phrasing!
Well…that escalated quickly