Four years after a string of concerning comments ended Antonio Brown's time with the Raiders, Las Vegas is dealing with another troubling situation.
Defensive end Chandler Jones has been away from the team during the regular season, and his return to the Raiders — or to the NFL at all — is growing more unlikely by the day as questions about his mental health grow.
Just a day after Jones went live on social media and shared bizarre conspiracy theories about Raiders coach Josh McDaniels, even breaking down in tears at one point, the 33-year-old found himself in the headlines again when he was arrested Thursday in Las Vegas.
MORE: How Instagram posts began Chandler Jones saga
Here's what we know about Jones' arrest and what it might mean for his future.
Chandler Jones arrest, explained
Jones was arrested by Las Vegas police on Thursday morning for violating a protective order, according to TMZ. Details on the exact nature of Jones' arrest are limited, but the report adds he was "cooperative" while being taken into custody.
Jones remains in custody, according to TMZ. His bail was set at $15,000, and his first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 4, The Athletic reported.
#Raiders DE Chandler Jones was arrested Friday morning for a charge listed as "VIOL DOM VIOLENCE TPO," which is a violation of a temporary protection order. His bail has been set at $15,000 and a court date has been set for Dec. 4, 2023.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 29, 2023
The Raiders said in a statement that they are "hopeful that Chandler Jones receives the care that he needs" and won't be commenting further.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 29, 2023
On Saturday, the Raiders were more definitive, releasing Jones.
Raiders are releasing DE Chandler Jones, who was arrested yesterday in Las Vegas after a turbulent week, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2023
Jones has been away from the Raiders since Labor Day weekend and was placed on the NFI list on Sept. 20. He was arrested after allegedly violating a…
Jones alleged earlier in the week that he was taken to a hospital against his will and claimed he was forcibly injected with an unknown substance.
McDaniels didn't specifically name Jones when asked Friday about his arrest, telling reporters that he wants the best for "all" of his players.
McDaniels when asked if there's concern for Jones on a human level: "I care for all of them. I think we all do. We want the best for all of our players, former players, etc. That will never change. So, that part is going to be there now and forever for all the guys we've coached…
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 29, 2023
The four-time Pro Bowler's absence from the Raiders began Sept. 5, when he claimed the team had locked him out of its facility without reason. Since then, Jones had made a number of troubling social media posts featuring derogatory comments about McDaniels, team owner Mark Davis and the organization.
The Raiders signed Jones to a three-year, $51 million contract with $32 million guaranteed in 2022, but he registered only 4.5 sacks in his first season with the team.
