An arrest warrant has been issued for Cameron Sutton, a cornerback with the Detroit Lions of the NFL.
Sutton, aged 29, finds himself at the center of a legal storm following allegations linking him to a domestic violence incident.
🚨The Cameron Sutton era in Detroit has officially come to an end, as the #Lions have released him from the team. pic.twitter.com/V0zIpGNGDn
— Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) March 21, 2024
Florida authorities have escalated their pursuit of Sutton, urging the public to aid in his apprehension if sighted.
The severity of the charges against Sutton cannot be understated. He stands accused of domestic battery by strangulation, a grave third-degree felony carrying the weight of a potential five-year prison sentence.
Reports from ESPN illuminate the gravity of the situation, with Phil Martello, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, confirming law enforcement's struggle to locate Sutton since the warrant's issuance on March 7.
The allegations stem from an incident when law enforcement responded to a morning distress call in Florida. It's alleged that Sutton assaulted a woman before evading authorities.
Adding further concerns to the situation are assertions of visible injuries on the woman's body, substantiating the claims of violence.
Sutton's professional career now appears marred by this troubling incident. He joined the Lions in March 2023 amid much fanfare, signing a lucrative deal reported at $33 million.
His previous stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, spanning six NFL seasons, positioned him as a seasoned player in the league.
The timing of these allegations is particularly damning. Sutton's recent season with the Lions showcased his prowess, starting all 17 regular-season games and contributing to three playoff encounters. His on-field accomplishments, however, now pale in comparison to the serious legal predicament he faces.
In response to inquiries regarding Sutton's status, the Detroit Lions issued a statement on Wednesday, acknowledging the unfolding legal saga.
"We became aware of the ongoing legal situation involving Cam Sutton this morning. We will continue to monitor the situation and will not have further comment at this time." The statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the organization's reluctance to engage further until more clarity emerges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Cameron Sutton remains uncertain. Once hailed as a rising star in the NFL, he is now on the run from authorities and could spend time behind bars over his alleged crimes that threaten to overshadow his accomplishments on the field.
