The Detroit Lions have cut ties with cornerback Cameron Sutton amid allegations of domestic violence and his continued evasion of the Florida law enforcement's efforts to locate and arrest him. Sutton is facing a serious charge of domestic battery by strangulation, a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison, as ESPN reported.
Having fled before police could detain him on the morning of March 7th, Sutton's whereabouts remain unknown. Police have confirmed that they've tried and failed to get in touch with Sutton's attorney, WWJ detailed. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Phil Martello told ESPN that they've maintained efforts to contact him.
The team, which announced on the X social media platform, made no further remarks regarding Sutton's release. The 29-year-old professional football player just came off a season that marked Detroit's first NFC championship game appearance in 32 years, a significant milestone described by NBC News. Still, the Lions have opted to move forward without the veteran defensive back as he faces legal issues.
Not only has Sutton not appeared at his home, but his cell phone appears to have been disconnected or turned off, challenging the efforts of police to track him down. His last known vehicle is a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, with a Florida license plate number FL-AZ33QB, as per information by WWJ. Before fleeing the scene, a woman was allegedly strangled by Sutton early in the morning at a residence in Lutz, Florida, where officers found evidence of wounds on her body, ESPN added.
Last season, Sutton started all 20 games for the Lions, including the playoffs, and signed a $33 million, three-year contract with the team just over a year ago. Despite these professional heights, Sutton now finds himself cast out from his team and sought by the law, with his football career and freedom hanging in the balance.
