Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested in Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to Tampa Police,, external investigators believe that Arnold was the “primary conspirator” in a “targeted armed robbery” of three adult males in their late teens on 4 February.
Three days earlier, Arnold and others had multiple items of personal property worth more than $250,000 (£190,000) stolen from an Airbnb that he had been renting in Largo, Florida.
Police say Arnold, 23, suspected that two of the three victims were responsible.
The NFL player and some of the six co-defendants lured them to an apartment in Tampa, where the three teenagers were “battered, held at gunpoint, and pistol-whipped before their personal property was stolen and they were ordered to leave”, according to the police report.
It also says that one of the defendants streamed the incident to Arnold and two others as they were travelling to the apartment, and that a group chat was created where directions were given during the assault.
The victims reported it to Tampa Police and positively identified the suspects, while investigators also determined that they were not involved in the Airbnb theft.
Six males were arrested between 4 February and 21 March in relation to the alleged kidnapping.
Arnold turned himself in on Wednesday and was taken into custody. He faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison.
Denise White, chief executive of Arnold’s representatives EAG Sports Management, said: “There is no credible evidence linking Mr Arnold to these allegations.
“Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences.
“Mr Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.”
The Detroit Lions, for whom Arnold has played in 24 games since being a first-round draft pick in 2024, issued a brief statement.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold,” it read. “We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”