Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold faces criminal charges in Florida that carry a potential sentence of life in prison. On Monday, prosecutors will argue at a pre-trial detention hearing that he should remain in custody through trial. Even if he’s ultimately acquitted, a refusal of bond would carry significant financial consequences.
In an effort to avoid being held without bond pending trial, Arnold has hired Denver-based attorney Harvey Steinberg, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Steinberg has represented numerous NFL figures in recent years. Most recently, he was hired by Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper in connection with multiple charges arising from an alleged domestic-violence incident. (Steinberg had some very strong comments when charges against the alleged victim were dropped.) A search of Steinberg’s name in the PFT database shows that his clients have included John Elway, Elway’s son, Jack, Kellen Winslow II, Jerry Jeudy, John Bowlen (the son of former Broncos owner Pat Bowlen), Brandon Marshall, and Elvis Dumervil.
Steinberg also represented former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in a lawsuit filed against a developer who allegedly failed to deliver a lot to Shanahan in exchange for his endorsement.
Steinberg’s website lists various links to cases involving his NFL clients. It also features this quote from Sports Illustrated: “The man Colorado sports figures call when they’re in trouble.”
In 2015, Steinberg explained his approach to CBS. “It’s not the client that’s on trial in my world, it’s the system,” Steinberg said at the time. “The system has to be held accountable. And if the system works, justice occurs. If it’s broken, that’s when there are problems.”
He’s right about that. Regardless of the facts of a given case, the system must operate as designed and intended. Flaws in the system (which often are glossed over when the facts paint an unfavorable picture for the client) should be identified and exposed.
That’s how the system is supposed to work. Any infringement on a person’s freedom carries a very high bar. The government (state or federal) must at all times be held to that standard.
Steinberg’s effort to do so for Arnold will presumably commence on Monday, when Steinberg attempts to allow Arnold to continue his football career while the case against him proceeds.
This doesn’t mean the NFL won’t place Arnold on paid leave. But the key is that the leave would be paid. If Arnold remains in custody, he won’t be.
