Raiders releasing former first-round pick Damon Arnette

November 08, 2021 - 3:22pm

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) catches a ball during an NFL football training camp. (John Locher/AP)

The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing former first-round pick Damon Arnette for off-field incidents, general manager Mike Mayock confirmed.

“Very painful decision,” Mayock told reporters. “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.”

#Raiders waive CB Damon Arnette: “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." – #Raiders GM Mike Mayock

— Paul Gutierrez (@PaulHGutierrez) November 8, 2021

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news after Arnette sent out a video that went viral over the weekend. In the video, the 25-year-old is seen waving a gun and threatening to kill someone.

Las Vegas selected Arnette 19th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He has only played 13 games over two seasons because of injuries.

Arnette also reportedly faces lawsuits from a hit-and-run collision with a woman that caused injuries, according to TMZ. He also faces a second lawsuit from an alleged altercation with a valet worker at the Aria Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The Raiders have now released two first-round picks after receiver Henry Ruggs III was arrested and is now facing felony charges after driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death and reckless driving.