Berry released by Lions
The Lions released troubled cornerback Aaron Berry on Monday following his latest arrest on three counts of simple assault.
The team listed the release as due to "personal conduct which adversely affects the club."
Berry was arrested Saturday morning in Harrisburg, Pa., and later charged in the incident.
The arrest was the second of the offseason for Berry and seventh among Lions players.
Officials disclosed a firearm was involved, and Berry is accused of pointing a gun a three people in a parking lot.
Berry was remanded to enter a diversionary program in Harrisburg after he was arrested last month on suspicion of DUI. The Detroit Free Press reported that this arrest could put that program at-risk.
Earlier this offseason, teammates Mike Leshoure and Nick Fairley were arrested in two separate incidents for each player.
"We have repeatedly stressed to everyone in our organization that there will be appropriate consequences when an expected standard of behavior is not upheld," Lions president Tom Lewand said in a statement.
The Lions are thin at the position. Their top cornerback in 2011, Eric Wright, signed with the Buccaneers in free agency.
Berry was expected to start opposite Chris Houston. Rookie Dwight Bentley could benefit from Berry's release after a strong offseason showing, and veterans Jacob Lacey and Alphonso Smith and rookies Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green could also figure into the mix.
Berry released a statement later Monday that read:
"Words cannot describe how embarrassed I am right now. I've let my family, my teammates, my coaches and the entire Detroit Lions organization, including the fans down and I'm so sorry. I know it sounds crazy to some people, but I know I will continue to get better and grow from this unfortunate experience, I have no choice but to get better. There are always two sides to every story and the legal process will be where I will tell my side regarding this recent incident.
"I love the game of football and still feel I have a bright future ahead of me. I worked my butt off this off-season and I hope to be able to help some team in the NFL win games as I continue to grow as a father, friend, teammate and into the man I want to be. I want to thank Coach Schwartz, Coach Cunningham, Martin Mayhew and all the Lions staff, players and fan base for such a wonderful opportunity where I was able to showcase my football skills. Again, I'm so sorry for letting you all down."
