A former NFL cornerback Damon Arnette, finds himself trapped in a legal battle following an incident with Las Vegas Strip casino valets in January 2022. The Nevada judge presiding over the case has ordered former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnett to appear in person to fix the felony gun charges by pleading guilty to misdemeanors.
Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette’s Felony Gun Case
Former NFL cornerback Damon Arnette, 26, a first-round draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, played in 13n games before the team released him in November 2021 due to allegations of displaying guns and making death threats on social media.
Arnette’s legal woes began after an argument with two hotel valets at the Park MGM. Evidence presented during a grand jury hearing indicated that he had threatened the valets while holding a .45-caliber handgun.
According to a published article, Las Vegas police arrested Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette after stopping him nearby and discovering a firearm in his vehicle’s driver’s side door.
Charges against a passenger who had a handgun were dropped the previous year.
However, Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette was not charged with any crime at that time. The situation took a serious turn when Arnette faced charges related to an altercation with Las Vegas Strip casino valets in January 2022.
READ ALSO: Auto Collision Repair Shops Owner Convicted of Tax Fraud for Failing to Pay Sales Tax in New York
Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette’s Plea Deal
Clark County District Court Judge Ronald Israel has instructed Arnette to appear in person to resolve the felony gun case by pleading guilty to two misdemeanors.
The plea deal includes conditions such as performing 50 hours of community service, paying $2,000 in fines, forfeiting his firearm, and staying out of trouble for 90 days. Violating these terms could lead to up to one year in jail.
Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette’s attorney, Ross Goodman, argued that similar plea deals are commonly accepted without the defendant’s physical appearance in court.
He presented a document that Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette had signed last week, indicating his acceptance of the terms outlined in the plea deal. Additionally, Goodman revealed that his client was in discussions with the Dallas Cowboys for a potential contract in the upcoming NFL season.
Despite the attorney’s protests, Judge Israel emphasized the importance of Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette’s presence in court, given the severity of the case and previous allegations involving Arnette and firearms. The judge highlighted the need for clarity and understanding on Arnette’s part, especially regarding the prohibition on possessing firearms.
By pleading guilty to misdemeanors, Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette avoids a trial on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and assault with a deadly weapon. These are felonies carrying a combined possible sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
Following the incident, Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette faced the consequence of being released from a reserve contract he had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs just days before his arrest. The legal proceedings and the plea deal could further impact his career prospects in the NFL.