By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Former University of Alabama standout and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was granted a $1 million bond Monday during a pretrial detention hearing in Tampa, Florida, where he faces multiple felony charges stemming from an alleged February incident.
Arnold, 22, is charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He has been jailed since surrendering to the Tampa Police Department last week.
Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella approved Arnold’s release on bond but denied prosecutors’ request that he wear a GPS ankle monitor, ruling it could interfere with his ability to fulfill his responsibilities as an NFL player. Arnold was ordered to surrender his passport within 48 hours, avoid contact with his co-defendants and remain confined to his home except for work and court-related obligations.
Arnold’s attorneys also submitted character reference letters, including one from former Alabama coach Nick Saban. While noting he was unfamiliar with the details of the case, Saban described Arnold as a young man of “exceptional character” whom he had known for more than six years. Saban wrote that Arnold stood out not only for his athletic ability but also for “who he was off the field.”
Prosecutors contend Arnold helped plan the alleged crimes, while defense attorney Harvey Steinberg argued there is no evidence Arnold orchestrated the robbery or kidnappings. No date has been set for Arnold’s next court appearance. The Detroit Lions are scheduled to begin training camp later this month.