Former NFL player Damon Arnette is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening two hotel valets with a .45-caliber handgun during an argument about parking his Mercedes SUV at the Park MGM hotel in Las Vegas earlier this year. Arnette has been indicted by a grand jury in Nevada and charged with assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed firearm. If convicted of both charges, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison. A hearing has been scheduled for June 7 to challenge the indictment.
Arnette, a former first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, was dropped by the team in November 2021 after social media videos showed him threatening someone’s life while holding multiple guns. Although he was not charged with a crime at the time, Arnette’s behavior raised concerns and led to his release from the team. The Kansas City Chiefs subsequently signed him to a reserve contract, but he was later arrested on suspicion of weapons and drug offenses after another altercation in Las Vegas, prompting his release by the Chiefs.
Arnette’s recent indictment stems from an incident that occurred on January 28, 2022, outside the Park MGM hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. According to prosecutors, Arnette became angry when a valet attendant asked him for identification to pick up his vehicle. An attendant accused Arnette of swearing and saying: “Give me my mother (expletive) keys.” Another attendant alleged that they had heard a gun cocking and seen Arnette holding a firearm. Arnette’s defense attorney, Ross Goodman, has disputed the allegations and claimed that his client never brandished or pointed a gun.
Prosecutors previously dropped charges against Arnette six months after his arrest, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. However, the case was presented to a grand jury, which indicted Arnette on May 9, 2022. Arnette pleaded not guilty and has made no public comment on the case. His defense attorney has filed a petition asking for the charges to be dropped, stating that there was no evidence of assault or him concealing a weapon.
Arnette’s case is not the first time that a former Raiders player has faced allegations of off-field incidents leading to legal troubles. Former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death last month and now faces a sentence of 3-10 years in prison. The Raiders have also faced criticism for their handling of player behavior and culture, prompting changes in leadership and personnel decisions.
In conclusion, the charges against Damon Arnette are serious and could lead to a significant prison sentence if he is convicted. The incident highlights the risks and consequences of irresponsible behavior, especially for public figures and professional athletes. The legal case also raises questions about the role of sports organizations in addressing off-field incidents and ensuring accountability for their players.
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