Cowboys cut Lucky Whitehead after arrest warrant issued and later dropped

A warrant was issued in Virginia for the arrest of Dallas Cowboys return specialist Lucky Whitehead, but all charges were rescinded Tuesday. Whitehead was accused in June of shoplifting from a convenience store, and he didn’t show up for his court date on July 6. As a result, the Cowboys cut Whitehead early Monday evening.

Whitehead was accused on June 22 in Prince William County of allegedly taking less than $200 worth of merchandise without paying for it, according to TMZ. He was charged with shoplifting/petit larceny, and after he missed his court date, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

But Tuesday, one day after he was released by the Cowboys, Whitehead’s agent said all charges against the return specialist were dropped and his arrest warrant was rescinded.

The reason for the warrant in the first place is that the man arrested had no identification, but provided the birthdate and social security number of Whitehead, according to police.

Jason Garrett said Monday that he just found out about the failure to appear warrant and that the team is looking into it, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater.

Whitehead was asked about the warrant after training camp on Monday.

Early Monday evening, Ian Rapoport provided more insight. This time it came from Whitehead’s agent, who says his client wasn’t there.

Whitehead has recently been in the news after posting that his dog, Blitz, was taken and held for ransom. Whitehead’s dog was returned safe and sound by a Fort Worth-based rapper named Boogotti Kasino, who apparently had purchased the dog for $20,000.

Whitehead wasn’t much of a factor in the passing game and this warrant situation didn’t help his case with the Cowboys. He had just three catches last season for 48 yards. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Ryan Switzer impressed in minicamp as Whitehead was rehabbing a hamstring injury.

It’s been a drama-filled offseason for Dallas. Defensive lineman David Irving will serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, and Randy Gregory will miss the entire season after failing multiple drug tests. The team is also still awaiting word on the outcome of the NFL’s investigation into domestic violence allegations against Ezekiel Elliott last year. It’s possible the star running back could miss one to two games.

The Cowboys reported to training camp in Oxnard, California, on July 22.