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For the second time in six days, the Las Vegas Raiders have released a 2020 first-round draft pick.
According to NFL Media, the Raiders are parting ways with cornerback Damon Arnette. The Ohio State product was the No. 19 overall draft pick. He will be available on waivers Tuesday if the release becomes official on Monday.
Source: The #Raiders are releasing former first-round draft pick CB Damon Arnette.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 8, 2021
Last Tuesday, the Raiders released wide receiver Henry Ruggs III hours after he was charged with DUI resulting in death related to a crash early that morning in Las Vegas. Ruggs, the No. 12 overall pick in that draft, could face up to 40 years in prison,
A league source says the #NFL is looking at the video of Arnette allegedly holding a firearm and making death threats - as well as unrelated civil suits - to determine if personal conduct violations occurred. He could be subject to a fine or suspension if/when he signs elsewhere. https://t.co/wdH1ZZSdna
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) November 8, 2021
Arnette’s release was also be motivated by off-field issues. Over the weekend, a social media post emerged showing Arnette brandishing a firearm and threatening to kill an unknown person. He also faces two lawsuits stemming from incidents in Las Vegas.
Raiders’ general manager Mike Mayock told reporters on Monday morning that it was a “painful decision” to cut Arnette, but the team won’t tolerate a player threatening the life of someone.
#Raiders GM Mike Mayock's opening statement:
— Cassie Soto (@_CassieSoto) November 8, 2021
"Today we waived Damon Anette. Very painful decision...we cannot stand for the video of Damon with a gun threatening to take a life... bottom line, the Raiders will not tolerate this behavior." - Mayock #RaiderNation
On Friday, Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said the team was aware of a lawsuit filed against Arnette stemming from a car accident last year near the team’s Henderson, Nevada facility.
There were troubling off-the-field signs everywhere for #Raiders first-rounder Damon Arnette. For instance: In his first year in the NFL, Arnette crashed four rental cars within roughly a month, sources said. Now, after a tumultuous weekend including online threats, he’s out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2021
Arnette, 25, was on the injured reserve at the time of his release. He struggled on the field in his short time with the Raiders and couldn’t maintain a starting job. Arnette leaves Las Vegas playing just 13 games with seven starts and no interceptions as a Raider.
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