Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has hired Denver attorney Harvey Steinberg as prosecutors prepare to argue in Florida for keeping him in custody through trial in a case carrying a potential life sentence.
Terrion Arnold isn’t just preparing for a courtroom fight in Florida—he’s preparing for it while his name is already tied to a simple, brutal question: will he be allowed out before trial.
Arnold, the Detroit Lions cornerback facing criminal charges in Florida with a potential life-in-prison sentence, is set to face a pre-trial detention hearing on Monday. Prosecutors will argue that he should remain in custody through the trial.
To avoid being held without bond pending the case, Arnold has hired Denver-based attorney Harvey Steinberg. The move was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
If Arnold is ultimately acquitted, the denial of bond would still sting financially. The central issue now is whether the system will let him continue his life—at least outside custody—while the case runs its course.
Steinberg, a veteran NFL criminal defense attorney, has represented numerous league figures in recent years. Most recently. he was hired by Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper in connection with multiple charges stemming from an alleged domestic-violence incident. Steinberg made strong comments when charges against the alleged victim were dropped.
A search of Steinberg’s name in the PFT database shows clients including 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 has also represented former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in a lawsuit filed against a developer that allegedly failed to deliver what Shanahan was promised in exchange for his endorsement.
Steinberg’s website includes multiple links to cases involving his NFL clients and features a Sports Illustrated quote describing him as “The man Colorado sports figures call when they’re in trouble.”
In 2015, Steinberg explained his approach to CBS, saying: “It’s not the client that’s on trial in my world, it’s the system. The system has to be held accountable. And if the system works, justice occurs. If it’s broken, that’s when there are problems.”
Arnold’s case is expected to test that philosophy in practice starting Monday, when Steinberg attempts to keep Arnold from being locked up while the prosecution proceeds. The outcome could shape how Arnold’s football career is handled even if the criminal case moves slowly through the legal process.
A crucial detail in the timing: hiring Steinberg doesn’t automatically mean the NFL would stand aside. The Lions could still place Arnold on paid leave. But the distinction raised here is direct—if Arnold remains in custody, he won’t be on paid leave.
The hearing on Monday will decide whether the next chapter for Arnold is written inside a detention facility—or whether the case proceeds with the possibility of bond, and the ability to keep his life, and his career, moving.
Terrion Arnold Harvey Steinberg Detroit Lions Florida criminal charges pre-trial detention hearing NFL criminal defense paid leave bond Jonathon Cooper Mike Shanahan
Wait so he can’t even get out until trial? That’s crazy.
I don’t even follow football that much but it sounds like he’s just trying to fight the case while locked up. If it’s life in prison then yeah hold him until it’s done, no clue how bond works though.
So the Lions player hired some Denver attorney, right? That Schefter guy always breaks stuff and it’s like everyone has lawyers lined up. Also domestic violence charges getting dropped then he’s fine? Like not saying anything happened or didn’t but the whole thing feels messy.
Defense attorney hired = guaranteed he gets out on bond, that’s how it always goes in my head. They mention John Elway and all those other Broncos people like that means something for this case, but isn’t it Florida? Kinda wild how long it takes to even decide custody. I’m not saying he’s guilty or innocent, just feels like rich people play different rules.