Raiders cut 2020 1st-rounder Arnette after he issues death threats
The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing cornerback Damon Arnette after he threatened to kill someone while holding multiple guns in a video, general manager Mike Mayock confirmed Monday.
"Very painful decision. We spent significant time, effort, and resources trying to help him in all aspects of his life ... we cannot stand for the video of Damon with a gun, threatening to take a life," Mayock said, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.
The Raiders have cut both their 2020 first-round picks within the last week. They waived Henry Ruggs following his involvement in a fatal car crash.
Arnette was a surprise selection when Las Vegas drafted him 19th overall. The Raiders were intrigued by his athleticism but knew he had character concerns coming out of Ohio State.
"We did more research on Arnette than anybody else since I have been here and we missed," Mayock said, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "And that is 100% on me."
Arnette reportedly tiptoed around trouble for much of his rookie season. At one point, he crashed four rental cars in approximately one month, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He also faces a lawsuit from a woman who said he injured her in a 2020 car crash and fled the scene. He allegedly struck her vehicle while trying to get to a team meeting on time.
Las Vegas relegated Arnette to a reserve role this season after he struggled with performance and injuries as a rookie. He recorded four tackles and one pass breakup in four appearances this year, and he finishes his brief Raiders career without an interception.
Mayock has now severed ties with his top three picks from the 2020 draft. Along with cutting Ruggs and Arnette, he traded Lynn Bowden Jr. to the Miami Dolphins last year before the regular season even began.
Despite a tumultuous season off the field, which includes Jon Gruden's ouster as head coach on Oct. 11, the Raiders are tied for the top spot in the AFC West with a 5-3 record.
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