Las Vegas Raiders Release Chandler Jones After His Arrest — Report

Posted on: October 2, 2023, 04:40h. 

Last updated on: October 2, 2023, 01:19h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

The Las Vegas Raiders over the weekend released defensive end Chandler Jones from his contract, according to a news report. He was arrested Thursday for allegedly violating a temporary domestic violence protective order in Las Vegas.

Chandler Jones
Chandler Jones, pictured above. The Las Vegas Raiders released him from his contract after he was arrested. (Image: Las Vegas Review-Journal)

His recent actions demonstrated conduct detrimental to the football team, ESPN reported.

Releasing a player generally means their contract is immediately terminated. They can sign a contract with another pro team, according to sports news site Diario AS.

Jones, 33, was signed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Raiders in 2022.

He had not played in regular games this season. On September 20, he was placed on the team’s non-football injury/illness list.

Last month, he lashed out at team officials and others in rambling social media posts. He was seen crying and used obscenities in the rants, according to reports.

The team apparently sent a health professional to his residence last month. She was identified by Jones as Dr. Heather Thanepohn, according to the Bleacher Report.

She told him he was “in danger,” the report added. Las Vegas Fire Department EMTs then reportedly transported him to get evaluated.

He was later taken to a hospital for emotional issues and was prescribed medication, according to news reports.

He didn’t want to be at the hospital, the reports added. Nor did he want the medications.

I haven’t done anything wrong. The police said people were concerned about me because of my posts online,” Jones posted on social media, USA Today reported.

Following his arrest, Jones was booked at the Clark County Detention Center, according to TMZ Sports. He posted bond on Friday. He’s scheduled to appear in local court on December 4.

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels wouldn’t talk about Jones’s situation during a Friday press conference.

“Nothing changed on our end in terms of, you know, the status and everything else,” McDaniels said. “He’s where he is. I’m not up to speed on everything.”

Private Matter

“The Raiders are hopeful that Chandler Jones receives the care that he needs. He, his family, and all those involved are in our thoughts,” the team added in a recent statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “As this is now a legal matter, we will not be providing further comment.”

McDaniels previously called the incidents with Jones a “private matter” and a “personal situation.”

Last week, former Washington Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III asked the public to pray for Jones.

Let’s all pray for Chandler Jones and his family,” Griffin posted on X. “I don’t know what’s going on with him right now, but after everything I have seen I do know he needs to feel like he is being heard in this moment. I reached out to him and encourage all of his NFL brothers to do the same.”

Prior Teams

Jones played college football at Syracuse University. He was later selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals.