The Las Vegas Raiders abandoned Damon Arnette, the first round pick of 2020, and cut off ties with both first round picks from that draft by the midpoint of the second season.
General manager Mike Mayok called the release of Arnett a “painful decision” on Monday, but said it was necessary in response to a social media post threatening Arnett to swing his gun and kill someone.
“There was a series of bad decisions last year or so, but we can’t support Damon’s video with a gun threatening to kill him,” Mayok said. “Contrary to our values, the content was unacceptable. Our owner, Mark Davis, is very clear and consistent that this is not the way we do ourselves in this community. The bottom line, Raiders, does not tolerate this type of behavior.
Arnett was drafted to 19th place overall with picks won in Khalil Mack’s deal, even though Mayok called him a “grave concern” about his personality. Arnett received a low rating in most draft rankings, but Raiders believed he could grow him on and off the field after talking to a coach at Ohio State University.
“Obviously later, we couldn’t do that. I know many people, including myself, were worried, but at the time I thought it was an acceptable risk. Obviously, it’s painful at all levels. “
The move to cut Arnett took place less than a week after the release of the 12th-place overall pick Henry Ruggs III, following a deadly drunk driving crash. Officials said Ragus was driving 156 miles per hour with blood alcohol levels twice the Nevada statutory limits. If convicted, he faces multiple felony and imprisonment.
Mayok defended Raiders’ character reputation in the draft, stating that other years’ picks were excellent character players, and Arnett and Rag were extraordinary.
“After doing more homework on Arnett than anyone else in the years I’ve been here, I’ve found the risks tolerable,” Mayok said. “Obviously we missed. That’s 100% for me.”
Arnett struggled when playing, dealing with injuries last season and lost his first job to Casey Hayward this year. Arnett was on the injured list at the time of his release.
Two high-profile incidents with many draft topics raised the question of whether being in Las Vegas would be more difficult for young players due to temptation.
Mayok said the team would take cities into account when considering player acquisition to determine how well they fit, but doesn’t think that’s a major factor.
“We need to be aware of Las Vegas, but I’m in almost every medium or large city in the country. If you want to find a problem, you can find it.” He said.
Featuring two first-round picks and three third-round players, the 2020 draft class was expected as part of the foundation for reconstruction, but could instead fall as one of the worst in franchise history. There is sex.
The two first round picks were cut in the middle of the second season. The first third round of Limbowden Jr. was traded in a pick swap transaction last summer before playing the Raiders snap, and another third round Tanner Muse did not play the snap, so this year It was cut in the summer.
The only remaining players are Brian Edwards, the receiver of the third round, John Simpson, the guard of the fourth round, and Amicro Bertson, the cornerback of the fourth round.
Edwards made 29 catches in 20 career games, Simpson struggled to play in place of the injured Ritchie Incognito, and Robertson had been pulled early in the game in Denver for the past two weeks. It was a healthy scratch. Robertson started only twice in two seasons.
The Raiders made one addition on Monday and signed DeSean Jackson, a speedy veteran receiver. 34-year-old Jackson was cut by Rams last week. He had eight catches at 221 yards, but offers the deep threat needed when the rug is gone.
The Raiders (5-3) lost to the New York Giants 23-16, but were the first to connect with the Chargers in the AFC West.
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Raiders cut first round of 2020 Arnett on social media posts
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