Title: Former NFL Cornerback Damon Arnette Ordered to Plead Guilty in Gun Case
Introduction
Former NFL cornerback Damon Arnette has been ordered by a Nevada judge to appear in person and plead guilty to two misdemeanors in a felony gun case. The charges stem from an argument with Las Vegas Strip casino valets in January 2022. Arnette’s attorney, Ross Goodman, protested the decision, stating that similar plea deals are routinely accepted without the defendant appearing in court. However, the judge insisted on Arnette’s presence due to previous allegations involving guns. This article explores the details of the case and its potential impact on Arnette’s future in the NFL.
Background
Damon Arnette, a first-round draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, played in 13 games for the team before being released in November 2021. The release came after allegations that Arnette displayed guns and made death threats on social media. Although he was not charged with a crime at that time, these allegations raised concerns about his behavior.
The Gun Case
Arnette was indicted on May 12 following a grand jury hearing in Las Vegas. The jury heard evidence that Arnette held a .45-caliber handgun and threatened two hotel valets during an argument over a parking receipt for his Mercedes SUV at the Park MGM. After the altercation, Arnette drove away, but he was stopped by Las Vegas police nearby and subsequently arrested. During the arrest, officers found a gun in the driver’s side door. While a passenger was also arrested with a handgun, charges against him were dropped last year.
Plea Deal and Court Appearance
Arnette’s attorney, Ross Goodman, presented a plea deal to the court that involved Arnette pleading guilty to two misdemeanors. The deal required him to perform 50 hours of community service, pay $2,000 in fines, forfeit his firearm, and serve the equivalent of one year on probation. Goodman argued that similar deals are typically accepted without the defendant appearing in court. However, the judge, Ronald Israel, insisted on Arnette’s presence to ensure he fully understood the consequences of his actions, particularly regarding firearms.
Potential Impact on Arnette’s NFL Career
Arnette’s legal troubles have already had repercussions on his professional football career. Following his arrest, the Kansas City Chiefs released him from a reserve contract he had signed just days earlier. However, Arnette’s attorney mentioned that his client was in talks with the Dallas Cowboys about a contract for the upcoming NFL season. It remains to be seen how this gun case and the resulting guilty plea will affect Arnette’s chances of signing with a new team.
Conclusion
Former NFL cornerback Damon Arnette has been ordered to appear in court and plead guilty to two misdemeanors in a felony gun case. The charges stem from an altercation with Las Vegas Strip casino valets in January 2022. Arnette’s attorney argued that similar plea deals are typically accepted without the defendant appearing in court, but the judge insisted on Arnette’s presence due to previous allegations involving guns. This case has already impacted Arnette’s NFL career, as he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs following his arrest. The outcome of this plea deal and its potential consequences for Arnette’s future in the league remain uncertain.