Raiders Release CB Damon Arnette After He Makes Death Threats In Video

A month of hell for the Las Vegas Raiders got even worse on Monday, as the team released cornerback Damon Arnette after he posted an Instagram live story pointing a gun at the camera, threatening to kill someone if they "pulled up."

"Very painful decision," Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said on Monday. "We spent significant time, effort and resources trying to help him in all aspects of his life.

"There have been a series of bad decisions over the last year or so, but we can't stand, we cannot stand for the video of Damon with a gun, threatening to take a life. The content was unacceptable, contrary to our values and our owner Mark Davis has been very clear and very consistent that this is not how we will conduct ourselves in this community. The bottom line -- the Raiders will not tolerate this type of behavior."

Arnette is also facing lawsuits from a hit-and-run car crash in Las Vegas on Oct. 14, 2020. Arnette's release is the latest of troublesome events to take place within the Raiders organization.

First it was head coach Jon Gruden's resignation on Oct. 11 after a series of racist and homophobic emails surfaced. Then it was receiver Henry Ruggs' release on Nov. 2, after he crashed into another car at 156 MPH, killing a young woman.

Arnette and Ruggs were the Raiders' 2020 first round picks, both cut with their NFL careers in serious jeopardy. Arnette, 25, was seen as a head-scratching selection when Las Vegas selected him with the 19th overall selection. His play never justified the selection, ending his Raiders career with only 13 games played. Arnette didn't record a single interception and made just 29 tackles.

Mayock said that there was concern about Arnette's character in college, but believed the Raiders could help straighten him out.

"At the time, we thought it was an acceptable risk ... after doing more homework on Arnette than anybody we've done in the years I've been here," Mayock said. "And obviously, we missed, and that is 100% on me."

The Raiders' 2020 draft class will now go down in infamy. Receiver Bryan Edwards is the only Day One or Day Two selection still on the roster.