Raiders’ Troubles Continue – Damon Arnette Released

Needless to say, the Las Vegas Raiders’ season off the field has gone far worse than any team would hope. The Raiders have already lost their head coach and star wide receiver. Now, the defense takes a hit with the release of Damon Arnette.

The Raiders Off-Field Issues

The issues began in October with the loss of head coach John Gruden. After leaked emails uncovering years of racist and homophobic remarks, Gruden stepped down as the Raiders’ head coach. He held the position since 2018. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia has served as the team’s interim head coach since Gruden’s resignation.

The issues became tragic just last week. Henry Ruggs III, the Raiders’ first-round pick in the 2020 draft, was arrested after getting into a car accident resulting in the death of a woman and her dog. Ruggs is facing multiple charges, including being intoxicated to more than twice the legal limit and driving 156 mph. The Raiders released Ruggs less than 24 hours after the crash.

Damon Arnette

On Monday, the Raiders released star cornerback Damon Arnette after a video leaked on social media that allegedly shows Arnette threatening to kill someone with a gun. The Raiders drafted Arnette in the first round alongside Ruggs.

The Raiders have waived CB Damon Arnette, a first-round draft pick in 2020, after he was seen on video making death threats while wielding firearms. https://t.co/cq9w05EKha

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 8, 2021

Raiders’ general manager Mike Maycock described the video as “unacceptable,” and the organization would not tolerate it. Maycock said the decision was a painful one. The team devoted significant time and resources in an effort to help Arnette in all facets of his life.

Maycock also stated there were “significant concerns” around Arnette before drafting him. Despite the concerns, the Raiders’ staff felt they were capable of getting Arnette’s life in order and was worth the risk.

Raiders’ 2020 Draft Class

The 2020 draft class for the Raiders has fallen under a lot of scrutiny. Having already lost both first-round picks, the Raiders’ class is a shell of what it was. Of the seven picks, the Raiders had in the draft, only three players remain. Ruggs and Arnette are gone. The Raiders traded third-rounder Lynn Bowden before he took a single snap. Tanner Muse missed his entire rookie season to injury. The Raiders released him in September.

Despite the 5-3 record, more has seemed too wrong for the Raiders in the last month than has gone right.